by Bryan Ridenour

Created on: August 02, 2010

The word “temptation” sparks varying mental pictures. To some, inappropriate sites on the internet tempt clandestine visits. Others peek into the refrigerator and break out in a cold sweat as the strawberry cheesecake taunts those battling the munchies. A tempting fruit and the Serpent's empty but swallowed promise prompted God's expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Even children know the powerful tug of temptation and need to be warned of the consequences. A simple teaching about the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3 instructs children on the dangers of giving into the wiles of the devil.

In the book of Genesis, readers find God's highest Creation, mankind, living in a perfect paradise. God provides for Adam and Eve's every need but issues one warning, “Do not eat fruit from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.” Children understand warnings from parents. When mom reminds the kids to keep their hands out of the cookie jar, children tend to sneak a treat even though it might ruin a future appetite for dinner. A dad might warn a child about performing dangerous stunts on a trampoline; this warning tempting a child to test the limits.

So what is so tempting about doing what we are told not to do? Even from the time of Adam and Eve, humanity's option of freedom of choice has often gotten them into trouble. Satan claimed the first couple could be like God or essentially be a god if the tantalizing fruit ended up on their menu. When the devil posed the question, “Did God really say...?” the first couple doubted God's motives for such a rule. Today, many people respond to the “Thou shall nots” in much the same way as Adam and Eve. Some choose to believe that God's “Thou shall nots” are His way of being a killjoy. However, children need to be taught that disobeying God's commands often leads to devastating consequences.

A perfect example of the affects of falling to temptation can be seen in the discipline imposed upon Adam and Eve after disobeying God. The two most severe consequences leveled being ousted from the Garden and man's future destiny with the grave. When teaching children about giving into temptation, a disservice occurs when the kids are not reminded about possible outcomes. For instance, if your son or daughter hangs out with peers experimenting with alcohol and other illicit drugs, your children should be informed about the side effects of drug usage including the possibility

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>