All that sparkles is not gold!

​Scripture:   Genesis 3:4-7:  “ 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[b] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths” (ESV)
Observation: My first observation is that a lot of things can be contained in just 4 chapters of Scripture.  I forgot to mention yesterday that today’s reading from  Genesis 3-5 and Luke 2.  In these few short chapters we have the fall of man, the first murder (and second), and the lineage all the way to Noah.  Then in Luke we have the birth of Jesus, the hailing of the Shepherds, the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the return to Nazareth as home (interesting Luke doesn’t share about the wise men or the journey to Egypt as Matthew does) and then Jesus’ teaching in the temple at age 12.  Lots to observe, but out of that, the Scripture that caught my attention was in Genesis.
We belong to a holiness denomination that encourages us not to partake of alcohol.  I often have people come to me and say they can drink because the Bible speaks of Jesus turning the water into wine, and besides, Paul told Timothy to take some wine for his stomach.  They are right, unless you are a Nazarite, there is nothing in Scripture telling you to stay away from alcohol completely.  It does say not to get drunk.  When I read this Scripture, that discussion is what comes to my mind.  Many people are enticed to try alcohol, or the latest and greatest drug out on the street.   They say it will relax you, or it will give you a fine buzz.  Or maybe it will curb your eating habit so you can lose weight.  Unfortunately, just like Eve, we don’t know the rest of the story.  We don’t know if we might be that one person who will get hooked on the drink or the drug.  We don’t know that it might bring us shame. 
Application:  Not everything that is shiny is gold, and not everything that looks appetizing is good for us.  We need to be cautious of the company we keep and the things we get involved with.  Test all things against Scripture to see if they are acceptable.  Be wise.  “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) 
Prayer:  Lord, I ask you to protect all my friends and family, and myself from all unwise decisions.  Help us to keep our eyes on you for direction, and give us wisdom in our dealings with the unknown.  There are many things available now that were not available when we were children or to our parents and grandparents.  Our children have access to such hurtful things on the internet and in schools.  Please Lord, protect them from this corrupt world.

​Tomorrow's Reading:  Genesis 6-8; Luke 3