In our culture, we love the word “natural.” Put that on any packaged good, and go with some type of green color scheme, and people like me will buy it. (Sister Michelle here.)

We want things “created by nature” not humans, and we Christians often equate that with “created by God.” So, natural is good.

Originally, it was good. Remember all the things that God called “good” while He was creating the world? He even called humans “very good.” So…what happened? Today’s Good word says that the natural man is an enemy to God. How did “natural” all of a sudden become sinful?

The answer is found in Genesis 3. Humans disobeyed God, and we all inherit a sinful nature because of it. Although we’re not under condemnation when we’re born, we quickly display elements of that sinful nature — selfishness, jealousy, self-indulgence, foolishness — and, as we mature, we reach an age of accountability where we are under condemnation for our known sin.

Thank God that He prepared a plan to reverse Genesis 3! If we yield to the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus Christ, and we become more like our Lord as we grow in faith, we are brought back to that original “natural” state where we can be reunited with our Creator. Praise God for the gift of salvation!

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.