TO WHOM ARE YOU LISTENING?

The first few chapters of Genesis certainly raise some interesting questions and make some emphatic points.

Chapter 3, verse 17 makes it clear that God holds each of us accountable for our own decisions.  And listening to anybody--even a spouse or family member--who is contradicting what God has clearly said is no excuse for disobedience.

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

The apostle Paul seems to have given a similar warning in his inspired first letter to the Corinthians (15:32-34)

 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Following bad counsel has costly consequences.  The oft quoted Proverb in 3:5-8 deserves its frequent repetition and heeding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.