Feeding the Snake

There was a Sunday about 7 years ago I will never forget as long as I live. Our oldest son, then four, had attended his first "real" Sunday School Class after graduating from the nursery. Emotionally for me, he may as well have begun Kindergarten. I could not wait to get ahold of that child and find out everything he had learned in his new 'big boy' class.

When we got into the car, my interrogation began, "Did you like your class? Was your teacher nice? Were you scared? Do you want to go back again next week?" To which he answered, "Yes. Yes. No. Yes." They learn the Man Thing early: Few words, fewer details.

In an attempt to get more information (because you know we moms need the minutia), I asked "Well, who was your lesson about?" His response? "I have NO idea but I did find out if people eat poison apples it makes snakes talk." I would be willing to bet Adam and Eve have never heard that version of their story before.

Of course, The Preacher and I laughed and laughed. "Oh isn't it cute how he got that all mixed up?" But the more I thought about it, the more I believed he got the point dead on.

In thinking about ways we "empower the snake", I was reminded of this passage:

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:25-32

I think of all the times Satan has attempted to embitter me towards another person by subtly slipping me the poisonous fruits of self-pity, anger, bitterness, and distrust. Like Eve, I am often tempted to take a bite by thinking I am somehow entitled to harbor these feelings. If we are not careful, these are just the emotions Satan will use to feed our hearts until we grow fat with pride. Satan is very crafty in using human relationships to gain a foothold. For example, when we are angry with someone we have to see on a daily basis, every encounter gives him the opportunity to whisper, "Can you believe she did that to you? Said that about your children? Brushed you aside like that?" We then have two choices: Take the bait, or feed the snake. Consider Genesis 3:15 (NLT) and I'll explain:

"From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

I don't know about you, but the woman in me still feels righteously indignant that Satan cornered Eve. I can't help but have compassion for her and the ridicule she has endured all these thousands of years from the generations of people who blame our plight on her naivete'. Do you ever wonder if Adam brought it up to her? "You know Eve, we wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you, dear." Something tells me he did at least once in their 930 years together. This fact alone makes me praise God all the more that he gave her a chance to redeem herself by being the mother of Salvation.

The fact remains that Satan still singles women out today. He attempts to isolate us, busy us, frenzy and frazzle us until we are in a corner where he can feed us poisonous fruit. We can fall for his scheme once again, or we can instead feed the snake: a darling high-heel in the head that is. Genesis 3:15 reminds us that Satan will always inflict pain, but that he will ultimately be crushed under our feet. On behalf of every one of us who has ever fell prey to his wickedness, I want to plant my spiritual stiletto in such a way that he will never forget it. "You've fed me long enough - now eat this."

It's time for a rising up, girls. Time for recognizing Satan's game and calling him on it. It's time we crush his head! Let's beg the Lord for spiritual eyes to discern the enemy's schemes. Put on the full armor of God, and whatever you do, don't forget your shoes!