16 "You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,
17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on that day that you eat from it, you will certainly die."
God lovingly provided everything that Adam and Eve needed. They could eat from any tree they desired, except one. No where does it state that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was poisonous to the body. Make no mistake though, any time God restricts us from something, it is always poisonous to our souls. Disobeying God's restrictions will surely bring toxins to our lives. I can say with perfect certainty that anytime I've disobeyed God, my entire body has felt it. My heart becomes very heavy and a knot will fix itself in my belly.
In Galatians 5:16-26 God clearly describes the spirit vs. the flesh. He tells us to walk by the spirit and we will not carry the desires of the flesh (v. 16). The desires of the flesh are listed as well as the fruits of the Spirit. They are complete opposites of one another. They never compliment one another.
Think about the desires of the flesh that pull at you. As you make a mental list, think about what triggers your desires/actions. What things cause you to fall victim to the desires?
At times, I can become jealous. My trigger stems from insecurities I struggle with. During these times, my focus is not on Jesus, but rather on me. Giving into my flesh causes me heartache every stinkin' time.
The fruits of the Spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self control.
When we geniunely walk with Jesus and go to Him with all things, we are blessed with the fruits of the Spirit. The restrictions given to us by God are not meant to hinder us in any way. It's when we choose to ignore God's loving guidance that we are hindered. Obeying Hin brings out the fruits of the Spirit. When we obey God we are filled beyond measure with fruits. I love the way that works. He shows us redemption in the most awesome of ways! The fruit for Adam and Eve was harmful, yet His fruit for us is freeing.
Isn't He amazing?? May you overflow with His wonderful fruits. Eat up my friend! :)
