All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 7:12.
In the History of the world we see people of different nations fought for their independence. They were under the authority of their colonial rulers and were like servants. Bondage turns you into a servant from the state of citizen. Independence changes the status of a man from servant to citizen (heir). After independence, authority also changes its form but do not disappear. After having got their independence, they made their own constitutions, laws etc., to live freely with their freedom rights. Does it mean they can do anything they wish? These freedom rights have their own limitations and are subject to the law of the land. Hence this freedom is not absolute though they are free.
In the context of the Bible, freedom is also granted to man from beginning of his creation but with a condition. At this point of time, man was under the authority of the Lord God. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Genesis 2:16-17.
The Bible says – the Lord God commanded the man. This tells man was created under His authority. This authority functions through God’s love. This authority is for your wellbeing but not for your punishment. Also, authority moves with responsibility and justice. Therefore, an authority should advise the consequences of disobedience too. Without telling the consequences thereof, if a punishment is given, it would be injustice. But our God is justice.
Adam and Eve were ignorant of what is good or evil before making a decision to eat (as if it is the only tree existing there for them to eat – it is lust of the flesh) the fruits of the tree of good and evil though they were already told the consequence of disobedience was death. Whoever did not know the difference between good and evil would be able to make a decision (as our decisions are made only after evaluating the consequences will be good or bad for you)? Yes, but they made it and the origin for their decisions was from sensual or an outsider. Therefore, this is not from the Father. As the Bible says –For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.1 John 2:16. Does not it tell us that there is a probability that you make decisions by other’s (Satan’s) influence? Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience Ephesians 2:2. As the punishment has already been decided for Satan, there would be no loss for him if he influences you to commit sin as this will not make any difference for Satan. But for you this is very much important to consider. Your decision whether you have taken by ignorance or by devil’s influence does not matter for the LORD. It is who has made this decision and acted accordingly is considered for your punishment.
You may note Satan only tempted Eve but did not give the fruit of tree of the knowledge of good and evil by hand to Eve. This means- They listened and obeyed another’s word- did not it? If the definition of disobedience is not listening and doing according to HIS word, does not it mean listening and following another’s word is obedience? Did not it mean that Adam and Eve had obeyed to the power of another (SATAN)? There is a mention of this power in the Bible. By your disobedience, you will move under another power – the power of darkness. Your disobedience to God is not ended in itself. Your disobedience to God automatically makes obedience to Devil. When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Luke 22:52 and also read who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:13.
Disobedience makes you to leave the narrow way where you feel there is no freedom for you to do your own wills. But it is important to know that once you leave your living God, you are moving under Satan’s power where you feel it is wider and no restrictions on your life. But the end of the road is the second death. Enter ye in at the strait gate : for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthews 7:1
Therefore, (a) As the Bible says –Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. John 8:34, let not your status down from an heir (citizen of heaven) to a servant. You are born free but with limitations as this is a narrow way. The way appears tight when others enjoying in the broad way that leading to destruction.
(b) Let not your own mind to take your decisions. Our knowledge is like foolishness and unclean before the Lord. Read –This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. James 4:15. Acknowledge His authority to direct your paths or decisions. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6.
(d) See in all your decisions how it will change your relation with God and make decisions from the point of view of God. There is none greater in this house than I ; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife : how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God ? Genesis 39:9. Joseph did not dare to take a decision against the God. Therefore, it is better to be under the authority of the Lord than submitting yourself to the power of darkness.