Devotion: Alienation
Please take a moment to read Genesis 3:1-13.
It is easy to blame Eve for ruining the Garden of Eden. She got sucked in to believing that just one little apple wouldn’t do any harm. Then Adam got pulled into the scheme to defy God’s wishes. They lost their focus on God’s plan. It did not end well. They were banished from the Garden and from a life of ease. Blame it on the crafty serpent, the Devil, who knew how to use temptation. He offered reassurance “You will not surely die,” made a promise, “your eyes will be opened”, and tried a power play, “You will be like God!” What did they have to lose? It was just an apple. No, it was ignoring God’s wishes. That serpent sent them into the abyss of sin. Read on in the scripture and you can see God’s punishment.
Research estimates that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced some type of online scam or attack. Are we listening to the devil? Maybe. Here’s a list of the worst sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, gluttony, lust and greed. Are they a part of your life? And don’t forget the Ten Commandments! All of these can cause alienation, when we lose our focus and distance ourselves from work, family or friends. How do we deal with that feeling? Self-reflection along with self-care and surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people, and confessing our sins can ease getting back to God. This life is not easy, sin is everywhere, temptation is in your mailbox, on tv, in your hand holding that cell phone. This weekend, Pastor Greg used an old word in his sermon that is a mixture of English, French, and Italian, meaning to deceive or lead astray. Don’t let the Devil “beguile” you into doing sinful things. Build your relationship with God, love deeply, grow spiritually, and share abundantly.
Dear God, Thank you for always listening to my sinful confessions. Help me to be a better person by practicing discernment. May I trust in your love to guide me. Amen.
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!