Choosing WisdomSample

WISDOM BEGINS WITH DISCERNMENT

Genesis 3:4–5 (NLT) “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.”

Mindful Minute

If we want to understand wisdom, then we need to start in the Garden, where the first deception of man occurred. We must learn how the enemy operates in this world so we can recognize his strategies when they show up in our lives.

God gave Adam and Eve the ability to freely eat (or choose) from every tree in the garden, except one. And then the serpent comes in with a strategy I like to call “gaslighting.” He says, “You won’t die!” and he says it with such certainty, such confidence, that it causes Eve to question what she already knew to be true.

Just one verse before this one, Eve had clearly stated what God had told her. She knew the truth. But the serpent’s tone, paired with the promise of the one thing she did not have, created just enough doubt to cause a crack in her trust in God.

Our world is no different today. So many of the appeals for our attention, through advertising, social media, even relationships, are about convincing us that we are missing something. This world screams that we need one more thing. We begin believing that God is not giving us enough, when the truth is, God provides for all of our needs.

So let’s remember that today. Let’s hold tight to His truth, especially when the temptation to deviate from His wisdom shows up at those inconvenient, vulnerable times. We don't need one more thing. He is sufficient. His instruction is meant to protect us, not restrict us.

Prayer

Father, I see the strategy of the serpent. I want to trust in your Word and know that it contains truth and wisdom to keep me from harm. I choose to start practicing trust in your Word daily. I want to learn to choose your wisdom every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.