A Note from Ashley – October 2016 Newsletter

“Why in the world did Eve eat the fruit?” I was having that conversation with a group of people this morning. We were talking about Genesis 3. One person said, “Well, scripture says it was good for eating. Maybe that’s why.” Another person said, “Maybe she took her eyes off God for one moment and saw the fruit and that’s why she ate it. Her relationship with God was severed before she even bit the apple.” It was 6:30 A.M. and I was up twice last night. My answer was less profound: “It says in Genesis 3 that it looked good. I probably would have eaten it, too. I like things that look good.” #forthewin.

(Also after reading “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other,” I had the thought, “That’s only because Anna wasn’t in the garden. She’s SUPER crafty. Have you seen her artwork?” Whoever says early morning is the best time for deep theological conversations does not know me. Am I the only one?)

There are SO many questions that come from this one chapter of Genesis. If you are like me, the chapter seems so familiar. That is, until you have a conversation about it with a group of people. We landed on the question, “What feels like the forbidden fruit in you life?” What feels like that thing at which you know you should not bite but gosh, it is just so tempting? And what is the difference between a strong desire for something fulfilling (a spouse, the promotion at work, a family, etc.) and that thing becoming a sin? We decided this: desires and longings are not automatically forbidden fruit. Perhaps what makes something forbidden fruit is the idea that having that thing would provide the ultimate meaning, fulfillment, wisdom, etc.

So… what feels like the forbidden fruit in your life? The thing that, if you could just have it, would solve everything, would answer everything, would fulfill everything in your life? Know this: ultimately, only Jesus can be that “thing.” It’s a messy ride and yet, we are invited to be a part of the journey anyway. Hop on board, you’re in good company.

See you at church and around town.

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