by Rehema Jonathan | 6 January 2023 08:46 am01
Did you know that just getting close to sin is already a form of disobedience even before any action takes place?
When God gave Adam and Eve His command in the Garden of Eden, He didn’t merely say, “Do not eat” from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He also warned them not to touch it. This was a clear call to complete separation from what was forbidden not even physical closeness was allowed.
Genesis 3:2–3 (ESV):
“And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
This detail “neither shall you touch it” often goes unnoticed. But it reveals an important theological truth: sin often begins before the outward act. The inward desires and subtle compromises are what make us vulnerable (see James 1:14–15).
James 1:14–15 (NIV):
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Eve didn’t eat the fruit without first reaching out, holding it, examining it. That small action of touching began the process of disobedience. It’s a reminder that temptation doesn’t appear suddenly it grows step by step, often through curiosity, compromise, and contact.
God had good reason to forbid even touching the fruit. He was protecting humanity from the process of sin. Theologically, this shows us the principle of “fleeing” temptation not reasoning with it, not testing boundaries.
Paul reinforces this in the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV):
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Notice the command is not to resist or debate but to flee. Joseph is a clear example. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph didn’t stay and argue. He ran physically fleeing the situation (Genesis 39:12). That’s wisdom in action.
Today, many Christians want to live close to the line without crossing it. But spiritually, this is dangerous ground. Just being near sin whether in behavior, thoughts, or entertainment exposes us to temptation.
Someone might say, “I’m not committing adultery,” yet their phone is filled with provocative images, sensual music, worldly films, and ungodly group chats. These are subtle doorways to compromise.
Paul urges believers to avoid even the appearance of evil:
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV):
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Even the company we keep matters. Scripture warns us that our environment shapes our behavior:
1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV):
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
You cannot say you’ve turned from gossip if you spend time with people who gossip. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself joining in. The same goes for anger, profanity, pride, or any other sin listed in Galatians 5:19–21.
Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV):
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy… I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Adam and Eve were told not to eat or even touch the forbidden fruit. The same principle applies today. We must avoid the roots, the branches, and the entire tree of sin. Because often, touching is the first step toward tasting.
Conclusion:
Approaching sin whether physically, mentally, or digitally is dangerous. We deceive ourselves when we think we can manage temptation on our own. God’s Word calls us to radical separation, not cautious closeness.
Let us stay vigilant, depend on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and ask for the grace to walk wisely:
Galatians 5:16 (ESV):
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Maranatha—The Lord is coming.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/01/06/dont-flirt-with-sin-stay-far-from-it/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.