Subtle and Cunning

I recently began reading another book by Fulton Oursler, it's called The Greatest Book Ever Written. It's one of three in a set. I just recently began reading the book so I'm still only a few chapters in. But Oursler is an incredible writer who takes scripture and puts it in a narrative form. He uses the context of scripture to expand a little bit in order for the reader to feel the emotion that Biblical figures probably felt. [If you can't tell, I highly recommend it!] 

This particular book focuses on instances from the Old Testament and yesterday I read about Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. A few pages in, Oursler describes the serpent in Genesis as "subtle and cunning." I can't stop thinking about how this reflects sin in our lives. 

I immediately thought of this passage from Proverbs 18- "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."

So the serpent, who represents sin in our lives, tried really hard to make sin seem appealing. And Proverbs says that it's dangerous to isolate ourselves. There's something about being alone that can so easily tempt us to do things that hinder our walk with God. I heard once that good character is doing what's right even when no one is watching. What I didn't know then is that even if you think no one is watching, you're still accountable for your actions to God. I can't help but be grateful that God intended for us to live in fellowship among other people who are capable of holding us accountable and pushing us closer to Jesus.