Learning From Our First Parents

Since I'm giving a lesson in Gospel Essentials class this Sunday, I thought I'd spend the next few blog posts preparing for it. The lesson is on chapter six of the Gospel Principles manual: The Fall of Adam and Eve. Of course, I'll have to cover the basic truths of the event - God created Adam and Eve, gave them a few rules, Satan tempted Eve and Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit, and Adam and Eve were kicked out. They went from immortality and innocence to mortality and experience. I'll talk about physical and spiritual life and death. But after the basic reporting of facts and highlighting the contrast between life in Eden and life here and now, I'll want to mix in some practical application. Knowing what happened and how life is different now (or was different then) is important, but we also need to learn ways to use that information to make ourselves better people.

I suppose one angle from which we could approach the search for practical application is to look at what Adam and Eve did wrong, and what they should have done instead - and what we should do when we're faced with temptation. Of course, I'll be careful not to be too critical of them. We're all human, and they were better people than most. But still, it could be said that they slipped up, and they certainly fell prey to temptation. What did they do that we shouldn't do, or rather, what should we do that they didn't?

First off, I don't think Satan would have had as much luck trying to tempt Adam and Eve if they were with each other at the time. Having people nearby who uphold the same standards as you do, or who at least know your standards and remind you to uphold them, can help you resist temptation better than you might when you're alone.

Second, they each acted without consulting those they should have turned to for advice. I'm not saying that wives always need to seek counsel from their husbands. I'm saying that married individuals should seek counsel from those to whom they're married, especially before making important life decisions. Then, together, they should each seek advice from God. I don't know how the story would have gone differently if they had sought guidance before eating the fruit, but at least their decision would probably have been more informed and more in line with God's plan.

After having partaken of the fruit, Adam and Eve felt shame and hid themselves from God. How often do we do that? When we sin, we feel bad about that. Whether that's shame or Godly sorrow depends on your attitude at the time, and on what those feelings prompt you to do. If your feelings after sin cause you to want to withdraw yourself from God and Jesus, that's called shame, and it's a feeling implanted by Satan intended to distance you from God. If your feelings make you want to draw closer to God, repent, and do better next time, that's what's called "godly sorry," and it's a feeling inspired by God to help you repent and come back to Him. Even after breaking one of His commandments, we should try to draw closer to God, not turn away from Him.

That's the last major mistake I can remember Adam and Eve making. After they return to God and repent of their transgression, they're basically really good people, as far as I can remember. Thankfully, those three lessons are probably enough for us to try to apply for now. Stay with people who help you be strong, seek counsel for important decisions, and never be too ashamed to turn to the Lord for forgiveness and help. That'll be good for the lesson. I think I'll include them.