Are You Naked?

By Jeff Rice

 In Genesis 3:9 Adam and Eve have just sinned and they are hiding from God. God calls out "Adam, where are you?" Adam says they're hiding because they're naked. Of course God asks who told him he was naked and they play "shift the blame" and "it's not my fault." Two games, which still have tremendous popularity today. Just for your own information, when God asks
you a question, it's not because He doesn't know the answer.

Adam and Eve were uncomfortable because of their condition. They were hiding from God because they did not want Him to see them physically naked. Are you naked before God? In other words have you given over every part of your life to Him or do you still have parts that you hang onto. The funny thing is that God already knows all the secret parts. Those secret sins and
addictions that so easily distract us are in plain sight of the Father. The little lies, pornography, a car, whatever replaces God. Gang, these are all filler. They take the place of God where we need Him the most. It is hard to put off these distracters, I know, but once you feel the life flowing from the Father it gets easier.

Do temptations and thoughts come? You bet they do! If you decide you are going to stop doing something, then you can bet the enemy will begin to bombard you with temptation. The good news is that God will make a way, just like he promised in James 4:7, So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. In fact he says it again in 1 Corinthians 10:13, But remember that temptations that come in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempter he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Have you given every part of your life over to God? Is Jesus really Lord of your life or is he just your Savior? There is a difference, you know. You can come to Jesus and be saved, but have you made him your Lord? When you make Him Lord of your life you allow Him to have a say in your decisions. You ask Him for direction instead of doing your own thing. Which brings me back to my first point...are you naked?
 

Jeff Rice attends Upper Room and is co-founder of M.A.D. 4 Christ Ministries. To find out more about this ministry email MAD4Christ@aol.com. 

March-April '01 Table of Contents