Sinful Patterns: Adam, Eve, You, and Me

I noticed in my small group that the men tend to idolize selfishness, while the women tend to idolize sovereignty. Men have a certain self-centeredness, and women have a desire for control. While these are generalizations from my personal small group sample, I do see some biblical connections.After the Fall of Man, we see a pull towards selfishness, self-centeredness in Adam. Rather than taking responsibility, he shifts the blame onto Eve. At the same time, sin introduces a new tension for Eve. There is a struggle over control and leadership in their relationship, as “your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”I was struck by these sinful patterns so early in the Bible. It certainly heightens my awareness of these idols in my own life. It makes me grateful for our Father, who loves us despite our familiar sins. It makes me treasure the Son, who saves us. And it makes me pray to the Spirit, who gives us the power to persevere.