Watch Out for the Snake in the Garden  

I heard about a recent incident involving someone I have become acquainted with who lives in far north Georgia. She and her husband were out in their garden picking some vegetables while their dog ventured out in front of them. Suddenly the dog yelped in pain. They realized he was injured and spied the copperhead that had just bitten him. Thankfully, they were able to rush their beloved pet to a vet where he received the needed treatment that spared his life. This acquaintance noted that on that day she had been trapsing through the garden barefooted, which was not unusual for her to do. After this reminder of potential dangers lurking in the area, she vowed to change that risky practice.

Likewise, we shouldn’t ever lose sight of the fact that there is a snake in our garden too. This was true even within the confines of the paradise God created for Adam and Eve. In the midst of all the wonderful trees that were pleasant to look at and to eat – in the midst of an idyllic garden where there was no sin, pain, suffering, or death – in the midst of an existence where man had close, personal fellowship with God, there was still a snake. This creature was described as crafty and cunning. Elsewhere in the scriptures, it is identified with Satan. It struck mankind with a deadly bite that has severely altered our existence ever since.

     There is still a snake in our garden today. We dare not forget about his existence. Sometimes it is easy to remember that Satan is around, as we face difficulties, temptations, and hostilities because of our faith. However, other times we can allow the beauty of the world and the good things in life to cause the picture of the snake to fade out of our consciousness. We are enjoying the flowers and the fruit of our garden, maybe even reaping a harvest in the fields in which we have been laboring for the Lord. In those pleasant times, we can grow careless about the presence of our soul’s enemy and not be as watchful as we should be.

The Lord has given us sufficient protection against the snake who is lurking around us. He has provided us with what the Bible pictures as spiritual armor to withstand his attacks. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17). However, sometimes we may foolishly choose to go barefooted, not to wear those pieces of protective clothing that are available to us. Maybe we just forget to put them on. As we do, we open ourselves up to danger.

 We can be thankful for the peaceful times in our lives when we can stroll along enjoying the beauty of life and the presence of God. We can rejoice in the good fruit God allows us to reap. Nevertheless, let’s not let down our guard. Sometimes it is when everything is going smoothly or at the height of some victorious moment in our lives that the enemy shows up. Stay alert. Keep your armor on. The snake is always around, but God can protect us from being harmed by him. Enjoy your garden, but be wary of the snake.