Mettle

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,

For I wait for You. - Psalm 25:21

I read Genesis chapter 3 today and two thoughts stood out for me: 1) That there are some things that believers should be unreasonable about and 2) That husbands should not abdicate their spiritual leadership.

In the garden of Eden Eve ran into someone "more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made" and was essentially able to be reasoned into eating the forbidden fruit. All of us are limited in knowledge, understanding, wisdom and cunning therefore we will always be at risk of running into someone more intelligent or more cunning armed with a fine-sounding argument. If the debate is about a matter of faith we need to follow Jesus' example and stand on the word of God and not the arguments of man or the serpent of old.

Adam seems weak and appears to have abdicated his leadership. The bible says Eve was deceived but it doesn't say that Adam was. I think it's worse than that because it sounds like he stood idly by and said nothing when it was happening.

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened,... - Genesis 3:6-7a

He was with her... and said and did nothing.

How can I learn from his example? When I'm watching a movie? Or maybe in conversation? Or making important decisions? Surely there's a time to apply this lesson today. And when we are alone it's just as important to rely on God's word to make a stand and demonstrate the mettle of our faith.

Integrity is nothing until its tested and the truest test is when no one's looking.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. - Ephesians 6: 10-13