The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” – Genesis 3:2-3
One of the greatest deceptions used by Satan in the lives of believers today (and ever since Eden) is to encourage adherence to rules rather than the enhancement of a relationship with God. God told Adam that it was forbidden to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. He never said they could not touch it, but somehow that is what Eve came to understand. In other words, she added rules onto her relationship with God.
It seems that many Christians today live a joyless existence because they believe that this life in Christ is about a bunch of rules. It isn't or at least, it shouldn't be. It should be about a relationship. While some things might not be "beneficial" additions to our lives, we are free to enjoy this life in ways that do not dishonor the Father, hinder our relationship with the Son, or grieve the Spirit.
Let's stop adding to God's list. In fact, if you are truly "adoring" Christ, then you won't even need a list. Where the Word is silent, don't make it speak. Embrace your liberty in and your relationship with Christ, and live.
May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. – Peter Marshall
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