Boundaries Are Love

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17)

God didn’t give Adam and Eve the command not to eat because He was trying to control them or because He was insecure. He gave them the command because He created the operating system of the world and knew what was best for them to live the best lives possible. He created a garden of blessing and abundance, and He kept only one tree off-limits for mankind. Now, some ask, “Well, if God gave such freedom, why did He create the tree in the first place?” Because boundaries protect blessings. Every healthy relationship and successful business has them.

God wanted Adam and Eve to choose Him willingly, not to be forced or have no alternatives. Trust equals faith, and faith comes from love.

God knew the consequences of their sin. In Hebrew, it says, “In dying you shall die.” Adam didn’t fall over dead the moment he ate; something far worse happened to his life: the anointing was lifted from him. Now, work would be difficult, relationships would be more complicated, and even their personal identity would become muddled, and shame would enter their lives.

We see that the moment the glory left them, they felt shame, realized their nakedness, and their first instinct was to hide from God rather than go to Him.

The entire world changed because of a single act of disobedience and doubt. This story from the beginning of time reminds us of the importance of listening to the right voices. Sin always costs more than you expect. But obedience opens the door to life. Choose life.

Practical Application

Small compromises often lead to big consequences. The enemy will tempt you to be your own god and follow what feels right to you. God reminds us in His Word that blessings and success come through surrender, not self-indulgence. Choose to stand firm and refuse compromise.

Romans 6:23; James 1:15