God placed Adam in the garden with specific purpose and clear instructions. He was to keep the garden and was free to subdue it but was to keep away from one tree out of the entire expanse. We know the rest of the story as we, mankind, chose rebellion over communion with God.
It is important, however, that we don’t miss the simplicity of the charge that Adam had from God. It was simple: cultivate and keep the garden. God gave Adam amazing freedom to live and work and keep the garden however he saw fit to make it work. With essentially one parameter that was intended to protect and prosper him. What are God’s parameters for us? What garden has he placed you and I into with simple instructions to cultivate and keep? What are the freedoms and the cautions that God has given us? What is the “do not eat” that he has given to protect and prosper us?
Lord, help us to make a better decision than Adam did when faced with the temptation to step outside your parameters.