As Adam and Eve faced temptation for the first time, many things were true of them that are not true of us. They lived in a perfect environment and uncorrupted society. No family influence could be blamed for their choice to do what is wrong.

Adam and Eve stood in the morning of creation as creatures of great wonder. No sinful heritage, no ravaged surroundings could be blamed for their downfall.

There were also many sins that Adam and Eve couldn't commit. They couldn't commit adultery. They couldn't steal from anyone. They couldn't dishonor their father or mother. They couldn't bear false witness against their neighbor. They couldn't covet their neighbor's property.

But the essence of sin back at the dawn of creation was the same as it is today--defiance of God. At the one crucial point at which they were tempted, Adam and Eve did not take seriously what God had said.

In the temptations we face today, we too must decide if we will believe the Lord and do what He says is right. We too must realize that sin can devastate our relationship with Him. We too will need His forgiveness when we fall.

Lord, help us to stay far from sin and close to You. --HWR  — RBC Ministries