If the tree of knowledge of good and evil is the very first introduction to mankind about knowing good from evil, then the temptation in the garden of Eden seems unfair and confusing. It must have been a set-up for failure. If Adam and Eve had no knowledge of good and evil before they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, then who could blame them? If we don’t understand the nature and purpose of this tree then we will not be able to understand how it affects each of us. Understanding the nature of this tree is crucial to weakening its power and influence over each of us and mankind.

Good and Evil

The tree of knowledge of good and evil did not introduce the ideas of good and evil to mankind. The devil promised Adam and Eve an understanding of good and evil but withheld from them that they would end up using evil in trying to get good things. The tree enticed Adam and Eve with what looked like an easier way to get things. And the human family still buys into this trap daily.

Yes, Adam and Eve partially knew good and evil in the sense that God did before the temptation in the garden of Eden. This tree is really a tree of sin because it came in between humankind and God. It is an unhealthy tree. It promises that good will come by doing evil; hence this is its nature. It separated Adam and Eve, and us their fallen descendents, from complete sober dependence on God to do good and to know right from wrong.

Instead, it set up a paradigm of thought where foolishness, fear, and pride became the means to getting good things. Sin is using evil means to getting the desired good. The desired good is never as good as is promised when we get it in an under-handed way. We are often full of guilt, self-loathing, anger, and emptiness after we buy into the devil’s lie – the lie that the tree of knowledge of good and evil will give us what we want and we end up doing what it asks.

Dismantle the Tree

The tree of knowledge of good and evil is a shortcut to getting what we think we want. It needs to be dismantled and removed from within each of us. To do this we need knowledge of what this tree looks like and how it functions within us. In my book called, “Dismantling the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil Within So Love Can Thrive” I give a language, understanding, and tools that can be used to dismantle this tree within each of us. Each person has their own tree, but a God-given strategy can help dismantle the tree so love can thrive. We need Jesus along with His grace and truth for this to work.

Read Also: Dismantling the Tree of Knowledge Within So Love Can Thrive