Whom do I trust?
Every day, we make thousands of decisions. Some are unimportant. “Should I wear blue socks or black socks?” Others may carry the power of life or death. Some decisions must be made quickly. “Can I make it through that yellow light?” Others may be pondered- for days, weeks, years. Some decisions affect only me, for benefit or for detriment. “I wonder if that leftover salmon is still good…” Many have short-term- or lasting- consequences for others. There are decisions that set the course of our lives. “Is he the one for me?” Some may take decades to pay for. “We’re making an offer on the house!”
If it’s true that my choices not only define my character and determine my destiny, but often produce wide-spreading, sometimes generational effects, (although I may not realize it at the time), how do I choose wisely? We come into the world knowing nothing- but starting right away, we hear a lot of voices explaining what’s happening and telling us how to think and what to do. Those voices reveal what’s important, what’s acceptable, how to achieve success, how to interact with other people, what to put in our bodies, and what to put in our minds. There are many different voices (some much louder than others), and just as many conflicting opinions. How do I determine who is telling the truth?
Which voice do I believe?
Good news: there is a right answer. Allow me to tell a story that may seem unrelated…at first.
Last week, my son-in-law found a juvenile copperhead snake drowned in the filter basket of his pool. In late summer, everybody knows that snakes are on the move in Georgia- but we were all set on edge by a venomous trespasser right there where everybody plays. There’s something about a snake that both fascinates and repulses. I wanted to see it.
Tyler took me out back and pointed with the long handle of the pool net. “I put it there, in the mulch.”
I looked. “Where?”
He brought the tip of the pole a few steps closer and pointed more specifically. “Here.”
I examined the ground. “Where?”
He squatted and poked a finger a couple of inches from the lifeless snake. “Here.”
“I don’t see it.” My eyes followed the pointing finger. “Oh!” The snake was so well-camouflaged, it was all but invisible- but there it was- triangular head, distinctive pattern, yellow tail. I shuddered, wondering how many of the late copperhead’s friends and relations I had casually passed on my way through the woods.
Enthralling, yet dangerous, the copperhead reminded me of another sneaky and disguised snake that surprised a young, innocent woman in a garden. With smooth, deceptive words, that snake tricked Eve into doubting the truth, the power, and the goodness of the one voice she could trust. The Genesis account of the fall of humankind is a tragic tale of deception and rebellion- and is replayed daily in the voices we heed as we make our decisions.
Why do we still doubt (or defy) our all-wise Maker who loves us- and listen to the snake?
I believe we listen to the snake because he tells us what we want to hear. “You can have that”… “You can do that”… “You can say that”… “You can believe that”… “You can hang on to that”… “and then you will be satisfied.” The same reality exists now that was true in the Garden of Eden- when the voices (of people, culture, media, or our own desires) conflict with the word of God, we shouldn’t parley with the snake- we must trust the One who is truth- and life.
Where is my faith?
Very simply, my faith is found in the voice I follow- in attitudes, words, actions.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
I have made many poor decisions. Thank God for his grace and forgiveness. When I hear the smooth, appealing whisper, “You can do that, you can have that, you can say that, you can hold on to that…” it really does help to tell myself:
“Follow the Lamb; don’t pet the snake!”
Truly words to remember, “Don’t pet the snake” and they are everywhere! Go to the safe place, our refuge and fortress. Thank you for your awesome writings.
What an awesome analogy and metaphor of sin and pleasure. It is so true that we want what we want when we want it! You have helped to guide me into a deeper understanding of the enemies schemes and sensual ways , and a stronger knowing of The Truths of God and His pursuit of our hearts. Confirming for me “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” 💞🙏🙌
Excellent advice for all of us! Thank you Debbie!