A Simple Reflection on Genesis 2:16-17
Let’s talk about freedom—not in complicated terms, but in a way that makes sense for everyday life.
Back at the very beginning, God put Adam in a beautiful garden filled with every kind of tree you could imagine. God said, “You’re free to eat from any tree here—except for one. Just don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you do, things will go badly.”
Now, here’s what’s wild about that: Out of all the options, Adam was only told “no” to one thing. That’s not a long list of rules. That’s real freedom. Adam could work, explore, and enjoy the whole garden. But God gave him one boundary—a single rule. Why? Because freedom isn’t just about doing anything you want. It’s about having the choice to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy.
That one boundary made Adam’s freedom real. If there’s nothing you can say “no” to, then there’s no real choice, and freedom doesn’t actually mean anything. God trusted Adam with responsibility. He gave Adam the power to choose, and with that came the responsibility to pick what’s right.
What does this mean for us? Sometimes, we get comfortable just going through the motions—maybe we stop looking for miracles, stop listening to wise people, or let our standards slip. Maybe we’ve been given another chance in life, but we’re just coasting, not really living in the freedom God wants for us.
Here’s the truth: God wants more for us than just getting by. He wants us to choose real freedom, the kind that comes from choosing responsibility. Freedom isn’t about breaking all the rules. It’s about having the strength to do what’s right, even when it’s tough.
If you’re longing for more, remember: you can’t step into true freedom without accepting its responsibilities. Listen to God’s Word. Take advice from the people who care about you. Don’t settle for just surviving—reach for the life God has planned for you.
Real progress—real maturity—comes when we accept that freedom has a cost. Being set free from whatever holds us back isn’t the same as living free. Responsibility is what actually sets us loose from our old habits and struggles. It means getting up early, working hard, making tough choices, and doing what needs to be done. That’s what freedom is for—to let us live fully and honestly.
So, if you want to move forward, embrace the responsibility that comes with freedom. Make wise choices, trust God, and keep growing. That’s how you’ll experience the true freedom you were created for.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 