“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden”? Genesis 3:1
In a widely discussed story, a former NCAA Division I athlete filed suit against Nike, alleging that carbon-plated racing shoes caused a catastrophic injury to her foot. According to the complaint, Heather Cerney purchased the AlphaFly 2 for nearly $300 and wore them for the first time in a five-mile road race. The result appeared impressive—she finished second overall and won her age group. But soon after, severe pain set in. Medical testing revealed a fractured sesamoid bone, a small but critical bone beneath the big toe joint. Because of limited blood supply, surgery was required, and despite treatment, she was left with a permanent partial disability that ended her competitive running career.
The appeal of carbon-plated footwear is obvious: speed. But this story serves as a sobering reminder that what promises quick improvement can also carry long-term—sometimes lifelong—consequences.
The same principle applies far beyond athletics. It applies directly to any choice that seems to offer us a shortcut.
From the very beginning, Satan has tempted humanity by emphasizing the benefits of leaving God out of our lives while minimizing—or outright denying—the cost. We see this clearly in his conversation with Eve.
“You will not surely die,” the serpent said. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4–5
Notice the strategy. The enemy questioned God’s Word, downplayed the consequence, and magnified the reward. In modern terms, the temptation might sound like this: The risk isn’t real. God is holding out on you. The payoff will be worth it. Eve believed the lie. Adam stood by and watched it happen—perhaps afraid to lose Eve. And the result was not enlightenment, freedom, or godlike status—but shame, fear, and separation.
“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked…and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God.” Genesis 3:7–8
The most devastating consequence of their sin was not physical labor or expulsion from the garden—it was the loss of intimate, unbroken fellowship with God. A moment of disobedience cost them the closeness they had enjoyed with their Creator. What Satan promised as gain became loss. What felt good in the moment brought consequences that rippled through every generation that followed.
That is the nature of sin. It never delivers what it advertises.
As Adrian Rogers famously said, “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Sin always overpromises and underdelivers. It trades eternity for immediacy and fellowship with God for fleeting pleasure.
Scripture both promises and warns us:
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out… But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare… and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:6–11
The devil’s tactics have not changed. Whether he tempts with speed, success, pleasure, power, wealth, or forbidden knowledge, the pattern is always the same: Short-term benefit followed by long-term damage.
God, by contrast, never deceives. His commands are not meant to restrict real joy but to protect it. True gain is found not in chasing what sparkles briefly, but in pursuing God’s righteousness. It yields fruit both now and for eternity.
So do not fall for the lie that sin is harmless, private, or temporary. Be content with what God provides, trust His Word, and flee anything that promises quick rewards at an eternal cost.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the enemy has been a deceiver from the beginning and that his promises are always hollow. Help us to recognize his lies, trust Your Word, and choose obedience even when temptation looks appealing. Teach us contentment and guide us to pursue righteousness, knowing Your ways lead to life, peace, and lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
