READ: Genesis 2:8-17
“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL.” – Genesis 2:9
Most Christians do not understand the place of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in our lives. We often think it is an ancient tree which existed in the time of Adam and Eve. We believe that this tree had poisonous fruit which once eaten, would kill the eater.
Unfortunately, Adam and Eve ate of this tree and died. When we read this story, we think to ourselves, “It was a pity for Adam and Eve to have eaten this poisonous fruit and thankfully we will never be tempted by such a tree”.
Alas, we will have to deal with this same tree and its fruits. What you must realize is that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is still in existence today. It presents the same temptation to us as it did to Adam and Eve. It presents itself as an alternative to God.
Once you have eaten of this tree, you know what is right and what is wrong. You know things that are good and things that are evil. Once you are armed with this knowledge (of what is right and what is wrong) you don’t really need God to tell you what to do. You can navigate through life and ministry using the knowledge you have acquired.
It is not apparent to the shallow thinker what devastating effects the knowledge of good and evil can have. After all, it is not the knowledge of evil, but the knowledge of good and evil. This tree does one thing to you and it is the worst thing possible! It separates you from the guidance of God and dependence on Him.