As you might know, within the Christian tradition, our human condition is defined by the choices Adam and Eve made.  You might recall, Eve was seduced by the Enemy into believing that there is another way to become God-like than eat from the tree  of life.

This second tree became the symbol of our downfall and we have forever lived under the curse that was brought about because of the choices made by the original man and women.

What If?

Even though the Enemy used a desire that Adam and Eve had – to be like God – and misled them, the tree of knowledge of good and evil was also created by God.  And what he created was good.  What was the big problem then?  Didn’t God want them to enjoy everything He made?

Indeed, He created the earth and redeemed it through his Son to give us life in abundance.  What was the real issue when Adam and Eve decided to turn from the tree of life and seek a shortcut?  The problem was not what they ate, it is the motivation behind it and the way they went about it.  The Enemy broke relationship and trust.  He preyed on their good desire, but led them astray.

It takes much more fatih, patience, vision and intimacy to remain under the tree of life even when it seems like the fruit will never be ripe.  What if Adam and Eve told the Enemy to leave them alone for their Father takes care of them and all their desires.  How would it be different if they realised that God is the master Creator and that He will also give them the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil when it is appropriate.

What if Adam and Eve realised that they were already God’s ambassadors, reflections of Him on earth and His son and daughter and that whatever is offered elsewhere is counterfeit.  …It is not Him.  It is not life!

Two Trees Today

Has this story changed in the last few thousand years?  Not in the least.  We still hunger for that which truly satisfies.  It is all about desire.  Through the ages we have strayed from the path that leads to higher satisfaction.  We are not material first, we are spiritual.  Even though Christ restores us back to the tree of life so that we can choose to receive, we took his example and created religion.  Instead of taking the journey of desire we take path of mediocrity.

We created a new form of enslavement without even knowing it.  Every generation of the church believed that they were right.  Setting up disciplines, doctrine and expectations.  In this way the rules and regulations creates a divide between man and spirit.  Between man and God.  We asked that someone point us to the moon and we have mistaken their finger for the moon.  The one who points does not even realise the mistake.

Return to the Tree

I end this piece with an invitation:  Return to the tree of life.  Under its shade lies life in abundance.  You do however need to bring the greatest offering that you can.  Bring your greatest gifts, abilities and desires.  Let go and trust that it will be returned to you.  Returned and multiplied in a way and at a time that is outside of your control.  Guard your heart that these desires do not lead you to another way that also looks good but that leads to death.

It takes spiritual intelligence to surrender your understanding and knowledge to the great I Am.  He who cannot be separated from you.