A child places one foot onto the crowded street. The terrified young mom screams, “ Stop. I told you not to go into the street.”

The mom knows the carnage the street represents if the child proceeds. The child is unable to understand these details. There is no reference point, and the graphic knowledge would traumatize the child. She limits her instructions, “Don’t go onto the street.”

The pilot turns on the seatbelt sign and flight attendants begin to enforce his command. Yet passengers linger in reclined positions, evaluating the necessity. There’s no turbulence.

The pilot sees the equipment failure lights on his control panel. He knows the danger yet avoids the panic of passengers. He could tell them the plane now represents fire, screams, and death. His authority to warn them of the need for seatbelts is unheeded. Passengers make up their minds, free will is embraced.

God said, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Gen 2:17).

Our ancestors had no reference point to comprehend what knowledge meant. He did not refer to the Tree as disease and heartache. He named it knowledge. He warned, then allowed free will. Their choice lacked respect for His authority.

Father, thank You for redeeming us through the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Collapse the voices of the world so we can better hear You. Warn us of the dangers ahead as You nudge our feet back on the right path.

In Jesus Name, Amen