Sin is recognized by the pain it causes. (Julian of Norwich)
At the moment of sin, we do not see ahead to effects it will bring. The famous "poison apple" of folklore appears on the surface so perfect and delectable , but it holds in its core the seeds of death and destruction. Without wisdom, we can see only the surface of things. That is why we need instruction from God, who sees all things and who knows the end from the beginning.
"Thou shalt not...." And we, in our ignorance, ask, "Why not?" What we cannot see is the pain we will cause to ourselves and others. Inevitably, man must taste of the tree of experience/knowledge of good and evil before he believes God. We are proud; we are independent; we can make our own decisions; no one can tell us what to do--we are like gods.
Wendell Berry once wrote, "Man always thinks he can release a few demons into the world and then control them." When we are in charge, we create the chaos that eventually overwhelms and destroys us. When God is in charge, He "wipes away every tear" and "makes all things new again."
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