LOVING AND RESPECTING GOD

When Satan tempted Eve to disobey God's command not to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, he used the Word of God to deceive Eve. Satan knows the Word of God but does not follow it; instead, he twists it with lies to deceive people. Satan knew that Eve knew God's command not to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil because of the consequences of eating the fruit. God told Adam that the consequence of eating the fruit was death (Genesis 2:16-17). However, Satan said to Eve, "'You won't die!' the serpent replied to the woman. 'God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil'" (Genesis 3:4-5). Satan challenged Eve's reason in obeying God. Satan told her that she would not die, but her eyes would be opened to know both good and evil like God. Satan watered down the consequences of disobeying God. Satan cast doubt over God's character in Eve's mind. He was suggesting that God was lying and jealous, holding her back from becoming like God, knowing good and evil. At this point, if Eve's obedience to God out of fear of death instead of her love and respect for Him, she would easily disobey if that fear were removed. And this is what happened to Eve. She began to think that God was lying and jealous. Her fear of disobeying God dissipates. Satan had convinced Eve's mind. 

Temptations always start in our minds. Satan cannot put something in our hearts to sin, but he tempts us in our minds, and if we become convinced that it is all right to sin in our minds, we can easily give in to it. However, the best shield that we have against Satan's lies and deceptions is our relationship with God. If we love God with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, we will be faithful in obeying God. My pastor, when I was a missionary in the Philippines, said, "The reason I don't cheat on my wife is because of my love for her." Despite his busy traveling, he never cheated on his wife. We have heard ministers fell in sexual temptations and all kinds of sin, but those who maintain their love for God always stand for God's truth. We have to examine our hearts today. How much do we love God? A biblical example of someone who loved God was Joseph. His master's wife tempted him, but he refused to give in because of his love and respect for God and his master. If we struggle to love God with all of our hearts, then we need to ask God to help us to fall in love with Him. Remember, God is a relational God. He wants a genuine relationship with us.

Let us love our God with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. If we are struggling in this area, let us ask God to help us fall in love with Him. If we are sincere and genuine, He will work in our hearts to love Him.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How much do I love God? Am I struggling in this area? If so, what should I do? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please continue to work in my heart to love you. I don't have any doubt that you love me because of what you said in your Word. Your grace is more than sufficient to cover all the sins that I have committed in the past. If I have not been walking with you, please lead me back to you and work in my heart to love you. Thank you for loving me so much. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.