by Emmett Smith

A common argument against the existence of God is that a truly "good" god would not allow evil. Could not an omnipotent god restrict his creation to only good, and not evil? Of course he could. And He did!

When He had finished the creation, He said that it was "very good". According to Genesis 2:16-17, God told Adam and Eve that they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, save one. The fruit of the tree of "the knowledge of good and evil", was forbidden. So when they were created, Adam and Eve had no knowledge of good versus evil.

It’s been said that ignorance is bliss. And where Adam and Eve were concerned their ignorance of good versus evil certainly fits that old cliché. But all was not well. There was an evil one in the garden, but he wasn't human. He used Eve's curiosity against her, and subsequently against all humanity since.

Ironically, it was the human thirst for knowledge that caused death, and all the evils associated therewith, to enter the world. There are many things that we need to have knowledge of. Jesus invoked blessedness on those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

But there are many things a Christian is better off not knowing. Inevitably we will acquire knowledge of evil. But we certainly shouldn't hunger and thirst after it. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians (5:11,12) that certain evil things done in secret are shameful even to speak of. Surely we're better off without knowing the details of those types of things. Don't you think that's at least partly what Jesus was getting at when He told us we must be converted and become like little children? (Matthew 18:3)

Philippians 4:8 pretty well sums it up. And I wonder how much better off the church would be if we all were more conscientious about what we allow into our thoughts. What do you think?

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).