The Power of a Touch

Genesis 3:1–3 NLT: The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’ ‘Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,’ the woman replied. ‘It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, “You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.”’

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In these verses, the mother of all human life, Eve, is talking to the serpent (Satan). The serpent is tempting Eve, trying to get her to disobey God and eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is a story many of us may have read before, but there’s a tiny part that still piques my interest.

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You see, so often we talk about how Eve sinned for eating the fruit. But have you ever noticed this part that says she wasn’t even supposed to touch it?

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You may be wondering…why did Eve say they cannot touch the fruit when, in actuality, we only see God say they cannot eat the fruit?

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This is a very good question, and to answer it, we have to remember something: God was intentional with the writing of His Word. So if this detail about the touch is easily overlooked, that means God had it written that way on purpose.

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But why would God purposely make this detail so subtle and easily overlooked? Well, for one, that is how most of the Bible is written—using figurative language and hidden meanings reserved for God's children who keep His word and receive His understanding.

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But also, perhaps it was meant to be symbolic. In the same way this detail is so subtle and often overlooked, we ourselves often overlook how powerful a touch can be.

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Take for example someone who has quit smoking. They've broken free from the habit, but if they continue to hang out in environments with people smoking, the temptation grows every time the smell touches their nose.

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Another scenario could be an individual who wants to improve their focus and productivity. They're sitting at the desk working, and maybe the emails get a bit frustrating. Instead of getting up and going for a quick walk, getting a light snack, or taking a moment to pray, they pick up their phone for relief. Now those distracting videos on social media that sneakily steal all their time are just one touch away…

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Speaking of social media, if we’re brave enough to admit it, I’d say one of the biggest issues for believers today...is our smartphones. In all honesty, these phones can sometimes be like our own forbidden fruit. (I’ve heard people say this before, but now I’m realizing for myself that maybe these phones are labeled with a bitten apple for a reason.) We rush to pick up the phone for some temporary satisfaction when, in actuality, that one touch, that one tap, that one scroll…could be the very thing drawing us into sin. Maybe it's not even an obvious sin, but it still opens the door to distraction from what God has asked you to do. And if you're putting something before God and allowing distractions to supersede what God told you to do, that thing has now become your idol.

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Sometimes the distraction looks like a photo of an ex popping up… (BTW, if you’ve never watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix, please do. It briefly addresses why the whole "ex popping up on your feed" phenomena even happens.) Then you think "Maybe I should unblock them..." or "I could send them a text and see what happens". Your mind starts presenting you with all the good memories you two shared, instead of the bad memories that justified you breaking apart. And guess what? That’s a tactic of the enemy. It's like the serpent trying to trick you, causing you to question if what God said was bad for you could actually be good.  But the truth is, if you touch that unblock button, you’ll be opening a door for that person to come back. Then here comes confusion, conflicted emotions…all this unnecessary chaos sent to take your eyes off Jesus.

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Or how about the way that digital wallets threaten good stewardship? I can recall back in my early twenties being able to stack thousands in cash and hold on to it for months. But now, with how prevalent digital currency has become, it’s so easy to throw money away with a tap. The DoorDash app and all those pretty pictures of the unhealthy food you’re not supposed to be eating anyway are only a touch away…

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I picked these examples because they’re things I’ve had to remind my own self of time and time again. If I’m feeling lonely, maybe it’s wiser for me to hop into my Bible and feel the presence of God. If I’m feeling the urge to order food, let me put the phone down and make myself a cool little sandwich instead.

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Moreover, the Lord led me down this pathway to discuss the power of a touch. It was not my original topic…I wanted to talk about His character and what the first few chapters of Genesis reveal about our wonderful God. And I might still produce that article too, God willing. But for now, I want you to hear this with urgency…the Lord wants you to be mindful of what you touch and what touches you. That means guarding your eye gates and ear gates, not just watching and listening to anything. That means if you’re trying to stop an addiction to a substance, throw it away and get it out of your possession. If you have idols, bad habits, and behaviors you’ve been trying to correct for years and just can’t seem to get it right, it’s time to let God’s hand touch you.

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Eve touching the fruit made her that much more susceptible to sin. Before she ever took a bite, she set herself up for failure by coming into close proximity with what the Lord told her was not good for her. And we need to start seeing that for the sin that it is. Not to condemn ourselves, but so we can take accountability and feel a healthy conviction to help us stay in the safety of God's will.

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When the Lord confronted Adam and Eve about what they’d done, yes, they received punishments. But when they confessed with their mouths what they did wrong, they were also met with God’s forgiveness. God’s restoration. When they tried to cover their shame with fig leaves, God made them better clothes out of animal skins. God is always waiting at the door of your heart with something better than the things you refuse to let go of. So lay everything at His altar, let Him clean your hands, and watch Him place new blessings and miracles inside of them like He’s wanted to do all along.

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Until next time, I pray this blesses you. Share it with someone you love. In Jesus’ name, amen. ❤️

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With Gratitude,