Devotion
The Knowledge of Good and Evil
Frances Taylor

With one small act of disobedience, sin entered the world. Do you ever wonder what induced Eve and then Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit? You have to admit that the serpent was sneaky! He didn't say that they would get rich or famous, he came at them through their desire to be more than they were, he said they would be like God. Well he was right about one thing; they discovered the difference between good and evil. Original sin! Which was the original sin – eating the fruit of the tree or wanting to be God? Let's face it, this goes right to the heart of the first commandment – you shall have no other gods before me – not even yourself! Could you resist the idea of being God, could I? I like to think no, but then I remember when I put myself and my own wants or needs before God. Satan is still up to his old tricks every day tempting us with ways of trying to be God. I am reminded of the story of Snow White. The wicked queen is jealous of Snow White and sets out to destroy her. First, she pretends to need her help and then offers her the reddest and shiniest apple in her basket. Satan can begin by working on our compassion and then offers the poison. All temptation looks good and that is why we fail.

Prayer

Dear God, help us to see through the lies of Satan in our lives. Give us the grace to rest. Amen.