And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Genesis 3:11
In the beginning was a God, a man, and a woman. The two humans were secluded, protected, and cared for by their God. They had only to enjoy their lives. These three were in-sync. Best of all, Adam and Eve knew God’s voice, a voice of love, protection, and provision. And God knew theirs.
Enter a new voice. Up until this moment, there were no other voices. No outside influence – just these three. As the story goes, a serpent spoke to Eve. That in itself is weird and yet Eve doesn’t seem bothered by it. It’s a new voice, one that doesn’t to speak of love, protection, and acceptance. Instead, it speaks of achievement, lies, doubt, and fear.
And now, there are two voices…
When the voice of Love calls once again for His two friends, they do not respond. When they finally answer, they use new words – afraid, blame, fear, nakedness. Then the voice of Love asks, “Who told you that you were naked?”
God didn’t care about the act, He didn’t care who did what first. His concern was simply – who are you choosing to listen to?
The same applies to us, “Who told YOU that you are naked?”
Who told you that you are incapable? unacceptable? unwanted? stupid?
Who told you that you are ugly, fat, untalented, boring, unloveable?
Who told you that you are naked?
Is it possible that the real issue for Adam and Eve was who they chose to listen to? Who are you choosing to listen to? Who is telling you – you are naked?
There are many Faiths that speak with both voices. They tell of a God who loves and damns. They teach we can be forgiven but that we are also wretched sinners. They say God welcomes all but require certain ‘sins’ to be fixed to sit at their table. Love is always the filter in discerning a voice.
As we know, where there is love there is no fear, judgement, or condemnation.
This is an excerpt from, A Simple Faith in a Complicated World, expected to release in Summer of 2022.
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