In the Garden of Eden while creation was taking place, I am sure the atmosphere had to be electric with the power of the spoken word of God going forth and making the things He spoke come to pass. I would have loved to be able to be there for that! Could you imagine what the angels thought about everything that was going on? What's even more interesting to would be the thoughts going through Satan's mind during all of this. Satan was there too! He had been kicked out of Heaven (Isiah 14:12-14) and was there in the garden to tempt Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6). What is even more interesting is the fact that Satan's rebellion against God was because of his pride in thinking that he could be like God. The first thing in God's creation of this new world that Satan attacks is the only part of God's creation that is made in God's image and likeness. Satan wanted to be like God, and we were created like God. Satan wanted to obtain the image of God, and we were created bearing the image of our creator. Adam and Eve were the image bearers of God, made in His likeness, and Satan was jealous. In his envy and jealousy, Satan tempted Adam and Eve in an attempt to mar the image. His way of temptation was subtle yet effective. He told them that they could be "like God". As if they weren't already "like God" enough! In essence, the temptation was to get them to believe that their own personal image was more important than the image that they had been given by God.
Here is a news flash for you.......Satan is still using this same technique today! He tempts us into thinking that our image is more important than the image we were given when we surrendered our lives to Christ. Our image is so important to us in our day and age. When I ask this next question, the way you answer could be an indication that you think more "highly of yourself than you ought". What is stopping you from giving in to your wildest, craziest temptation? What is stopping you from buying that movie, going to that party, visiting that store, or having that drink? If your answer to this question has anything to do with what people would think of you, then you are exalting your personal image too high! Our immediate response should be that we are followers of Christ and therefore bear His image. We don't want to do anything to mar His image! His image should be of the utmost importance in our hearts, not ours. On the opposite side of this equation, people will stay in the chains of addictions and secret sin instead of seeking help because they care so much about their own image. What about God's image? Who cares what people think of you and your image, your secret sin is marring His image! Tell someone, get help, get counseling! Once you get help in the fight, your being set free from your bondage will cause the image of God to shine in your world. You staying in secret bondage in the name of saving your own image isn't doing anyone justice, and you are becoming bound on a deeper level on the process.
Each time you face a temptation, keep in mind that the enemy has one goal in that temptation. That goal is to mar the image of God. You posses that image! Guard it with your life!
