“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:5 NIV
What would it be like to be innocent of evil, clueless of sin with no one to point it out to you? Only Adam and Eve can truly answer that question but children seem to live with this blameless, unknowing quality. I remember when my kids were very young and would invariably hear a ‘bad word’. They would repeat it out loud, often in the most inconvenient place! Without an understanding of the meaning they were innocent, until they were told and became accountable for their knowledge.
For some people their knowledge of evil works overtime, alerting them to every slip up, or possible mistake they might make. Others have hardened their hearts towards God to a point that they are oblivious to how they live in opposition to God and His laws.
The reverse is also true of human nature. The knowledge of what’s good causes some people to strive to live “good” or conversely they grow proud in how good they believe they are. Genesis 3:5 makes it clear that, In The Beginning God created people Innocent of the knowledge of good and evil.
[tweetthis]God never wanted us to bear the heavy burden of a conscience. GN 3:5[/tweetthis]
In Matthew 19:14 Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” It’s hard for our finite minds to comprehend, but we are never more pleasing to God than when we come to Him with child-like faith, Innocently pure before Him!
[tweetthis]We are never more pleasing to God than when we come to Him with child-like faith MT 19:14[/tweetthis]
Prayer
Father…I thank You for providing a way for me to be innocent again through the blood of Your son Jesus. Let me live in the truth of my innocence and not the burden of my conscience. Help the knowledge of my innocence in Your eyes bring a boldness to my faith that will draw me closer to You! In Jesus Name…Amen
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below

Good post! It is amazing how Jesus sets us free from having to always live by the rules. I wonder if we can fully re-learn the innocence on this side of Heaven. Thanks for sharing!
Brooke, I was just at a conference and Paul Martinelli said we were “Born perfect, programmed to fail”. Studying how God created us “In The Beginning” has been a real growing experience for me. Re-training my brain to live like it is now the journey! Thanks for stopping by!
~Sherry
“they grow proud in how good they believe they are” Ouch! I am so good at being a Pharisee. I can check all the right boxes and do all the right things. These outward behaviors oftentimes lead to a prideful heart. Thanks for reminding me to stay humble and recognize my own need for grace and mercy. Happy to be your #intentionaltuesday neighbor today.
Kelly, I’m so glad you were my neighbor today too! Thanks for being so open and honest. As soon as you attend church for a while “box checking” is the tendency we have to fight. Studying how God created us “In The Beginning” makes it clear that this behaviour is so far away from God’s original plan. Keep fighting against that Pharisee tendency…keep living in grace and mercy 🙂
~Sherry
Thankful scripture says He carries our burdens, including the ones we took on when we became “aware” of all the things we were meant to be protected from, in the garden… love this insight, always grateful for you, lady!!! xxoo
Thanks Christine! So grateful for your encouragement.
<3 Sherry