Choices

As I was reading the IWU devotion for this week-- one thing that struck me for the first time was the blame. I don't think I ever noticed it before... Adam blamed God, “But it was the woman you gave me…", while Eve blamed "The serpent tricked me" (Genesis 3:12,13 NKJV). Neither of them accepted responsibility for breaking God's command. As a parent, I know that my reaction is totally different when my children accept responsibility for their actions instead of blaming others for something that they did. I wonder if God would have given the same punishment (Romans 5:12) had Adam and Eve said they were sorry and repented instead of hiding and blaming. Just a thought... Many things keep us separated from others and God -- pride, shame & guilt to name a few. When we are ashamed of where we are or what we are doing we draw away from God and others. Things that keep us connected to others are faith, friendship, common likes/dislikes, occupations, etc. When we have things in common, it is easier to stay connected. When we attend church, we as a church body are connected together and also to God. Church brings people together. We were created to be with God, to be a part of His family. Our sin causes a strain in our relationship, just as a child breaking the rules needs to be corrected, we as sinners need to be corrected by God. He holds us accountable and lets us know when He disapproves of our choices and/ or actions. Sin affects our destiny and our sense of purpose because for God it was always HIS plan that we be with HIM for eternity. Now, it is our choice whether or not we go into eternity at His side. We can choose to accept Jesus or not. We can choose to live according to His plan - or not. The choice was never in God's plan. His plan was perfect until Adam and Eve chose to sin. What choices will I make as a result of this new understanding??? I choose to accept responsibility for my actions because I choose to Live for Him. (Romans 5:12 – When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.)