Virtual Devotions

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. – Genesis 3:6

Dear Friends,

When I read this passage, I can’t help but think about James 1:14-15, “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

This is exactly what is happening.  Eve is gazing upon the object of her sin, she sees that it will fulfill her own evil desire, she is enticed and she sins, which leads to her death.

Eve has taken a beating over the years as the one who brought about the fall of the human race, and much of that is deserved.  However, it is striking that we read that Adam was there with her when this all happened and then he joined in too!

Imagine a couple at a party.  The wife begins “innocently” flirting with one of the men at the party.  The husband sees what is happening.  But rather than intervening and privately correcting his wife, he decides what’s good for the goose is good for the gander or that he is going to get even with her, and he starts flirting with one of the other women.  You can see where this is going to lead.

A husband and wife are meant to be married for life.  Yet in their lifetimes they are going to make mistakes – some big, some little.  As a married couple you must expect that this will happen.   When it does, do not be like Adam.

First, you must be on guard for your spouse.  If something seems wrong, there probably is something wrong.  If you are witnessing your spouse engaging in improper behavior, privately discuss it with him or her in a gentle, loving way.  People get themselves into situations that are going to hurt their marriage.  Be aware of your spouse by staying close to him or her both physically and emotionally.

Second, if you do notice your spouse going in the wrong direction, don’t sit idly by as Adam did or worse yet; join in after the sin has been committed.  Intervene.  As the husband you are the head of your family and your wife is depending upon you to be there for her and protect your marriage.  As a wife, you are your husband’s helpmate.  If he didn’t need you God would not have created the institution of marriage.  You must be there for him too!

Marriage is hard and before I was saved I failed in marriage.  I didn’t understand many of the things I am trying to teach you in this lesson.  I implore you to read your Bible with your spouse and pray with him or her.   Doing these two things will make you a stronger couple and glorify God.

In Christ,

David