“She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Genesis 3:6b (NIV)
Influence.
Power.
Persuasion.
She possessed all three. She also possessed a rare beauty, at least in the eyes of the man who adored her.
Without her, he knew he’d lead a lonely existence. He didn’t want to displease, disappoint, or discourage her. He’d do anything to keep her attention, her admiration, and her respect.
She knew her influence over him. She knew she possessed the power of persuasion. And she used it – but not for good.
Eve engaged with the Enemy. She fell for his flirtatious lies. She knew God’s rules, but deducted for herself it would be okay to break them.
And, she did.
Then, she enticed her husband to follow her down a desperate and dangerous path. It proved a path straight out of paradise, locking them away from God’s presence and provision.
If you’re female, you just might know how strong the power of female persuasion can be. Especially if the one you’re persuading is a man who loves you.
Girls, whether we realize it or not, we possess a great power over key people in our lives. The question is: what will we do with that power?
What is the objective in wielding that power?
Women of integrity don’t manipulate or annihilate.
Women of integrity don’t wheel, deal, and steal.
Women of integrity want only the best for all the rest.
Women of integrity want God’s will and are willing to be still.
When requesting something from a man, check your motives. Is your request selfish – only benefitting you? Will fulfilling your request draw him closer to God? Or, like Eve’s, is your request detrimental to you both?
Girls, we will each answer to God for our own personal actions, including when we led others astray.
Let’s check our attitudes, actions, and hearts against God’s word before we proceed.
Reflections:
What do you imagine running through Eve’s mind before she requested Adam break the rules?
Can you ever relate to Eve’s thoughts?
Recall a time when you chose integrity when you had a chance to influence. What influenced your choice?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your open instruction manual, the Bible. Three chapters in the first book, You vividly show how not to behave, You show attitudes to check, and You show actions to avoid.
But the story doesn’t end there. Thank You for Your grace that restores us first to You, and then often to the people You envisioned when You created us. Thank You for Your great love, and generous grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, April 26 for the next post.