Illusion of the Evil and Distortion of our Identity in Genesis 3 (Part 3)

The story of Genesis 3 reveals the devil’s cunning strategy to distort human identity through a powerful illusion. This illusion, a deceptive perception that obscures truth and manipulates desires, was strikingly effective in the Garden of Eden. The devil convinced Eve that she lacked something essential, leading her to disobey God in pursuit of a false promise. His ultimate target was to distort her identity as created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27). By understanding this illusion and its modern parallels, we can maintain our spiritual boundaries, focus on our true being, and reclaim our God-given identity, especially in consecrated life.

The Illusion in Eden: A Distorted Identity

The devil’s illusion in Genesis 3 was to make Eve believe she was incomplete. Created in God’s image and likeness, Eve was already “like God” in her essence. Yet, the serpent deceived her, saying, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:4-5). This lie shifted Eve’s focus from her God-given identity to a perceived lack, justifying disobedience. The illusion succeeded because it erased her awareness of her true self, making sin feel necessary. Pope Benedict XVI beautifully distinguished between perfection and holiness. He provides a clear portrait of Christian perfection when he says, “holiness does not consist in not making mistakes or never sinning. Holiness grows with capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again, and above all with the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.” When we forget our identity, the devil can make us feel justified in sinning. However, knowing our identity as God’s children empowers us to rise quickly after falling, resisting the illusion’s grip.

The devil used the same tactic with Jesus, offering “all the kingdoms of the world” if He would worship him (Mt 4:8-9). This was an illusion, as all creation belongs to Jesus, through whom “all things came into being” (Jn 1:3). The devil hid this truth, suggesting Jesus needed to disobey God to gain what was already His. Unlike Eve, Jesus maintained clear boundaries, rejecting the illusion with Scripture: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Mt 4:10). Today, the devil employs this tried-and-tested strategy, convincing people they lack something—status, pleasure, or success—unless they compromise their faith. For example, a consecrated person might feel justified in neglecting prayer for work, believing productivity defines their worth. Recognizing this illusion helps us guard our boundaries and halt the devil’s plan early.

BEING vs. DOING: The Struggle in Eden and Today

The devil’s illusion in Eden also created confusion between BEING and DOING. Eve’s BEING was her identity as God’s image, but the serpent shifted her focus to DOING—eating the fruit to become “like God” (Gen 3:5). This misplaced focus led to her fall. Today, many fall into the same trap, prioritising DOING over BEING. Novenas, pilgrimages, and acts of piety are valuable when they flow from our being as God’s children. However, if we focus solely on doing without nurturing our relationship with God, these actions lose their transformative power. For instance, a seminarian might attend multiple retreats to feel holy but neglect personal prayer, missing the deeper call to abide in God’s love (Jn 15:9). Similarly, a religious sister might overcommit to ministry tasks, thinking her worth lies in output, while her spiritual life weakens. True holiness begins with BEING—resting in our identity as God’s beloved—before flowing into DOING.

God’s Question: Where Are You?

After the fall, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9). This question was not about physical location—God knew they were hiding—but about their spiritual state. Interestingly, God asked Adam, not Eve, about eating from the forbidden tree (Gen 3:11), highlighting Adam’s responsibility. God gave the commandment to Adam before Eve’s creation (Gen 2:16-17), entrusting him to clearly convey it to her. Adam’s failure to do so allowed the illusion to take root. God’s question invites reflection: in which stage of the devil’s illusion are we? Are we at the Mat level, with wavering boundaries? The Lot level, influenced by external elements? The Boat level, with shifting convictions? Or the Pot level, living with a distorted identity? Identifying our stage is the first step to breaking the illusion and reclaiming our true self.

Dust and the Breath of Life

God’s curse to the serpent, “Dust you shall eat” (Gen 3:14), reveals another layer of the devil’s strategy. Humans were formed from the dust of the earth, animated by God’s breath of life (Gen 2:7). Without this breath—the Holy Spirit—humans are mere dust, vulnerable to the devil’s influence. The psalmist asks, “Can dust praise you?” (Ps 30:9), suggesting that without the Spirit’s anointing, genuine worship is impossible. Sometimes, during praise and worship, we feel disconnected despite effort, because true praise requires God’s grace, not just human striving. God does not feed humanity to the devil; rather, those filled with the Holy Spirit are protected. The devil preys on “dust”—lives devoid of God’s Spirit. God’s plan of salvation counters this, promising, “I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes” (Ez 36:27). Jesus, the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15), calls us to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mat 5:48) by becoming like Him through the Spirit’s power.

The Illusion of Desire and Shifting Boundaries

Eve’s perception shifted dramatically under the devil’s illusion. Initially, she knew not to touch the forbidden tree (Gen 3:3), but after an unnecessary conversation with the serpent, it appeared “good for food, a delight to the eyes, and to be desired” (Gen 3:6). The devil doesn’t destroy boundaries outright, as that would alert us. Instead, he expands them gradually, altering our concept of limits. For example, a youth might initially set strict boundaries on social media use but, over time, justify longer hours, thinking, “It’s not sinful.” This slow expansion desensitizes us, making what was once unthinkable seem acceptable. We may start overconfident, believing we can resist temptation, only to find our boundaries eroded. Maintaining vigilance ensures the illusion doesn’t take hold.

Why the Forbidden Tree?

Why did a loving God place a tempting tree in the garden? Some assume it was a test, but a God who knows all doesn’t need to test His children cruelly. Gen 2:9 describes many trees “pleasant to the sight and good for food,” showing the forbidden tree wasn’t uniquely desirable. The devil’s illusion made Eve fixate on what was prohibited, ignoring the abundance God provided. This mirrors modern struggles: a person might obsess over a forbidden relationship, overlooking the blessings of community and faith. The tree’s presence made choice meaningful. A choice without alternatives lacks depth, like obeying because there’s no other option. True fidelity shines when we choose God amidst temptation, as Jesus did in the wilderness.

The Beauty of Choice

Choices gain beauty and value when alternatives exist. If Adam and Eve had no option but to obey, their fidelity would lack meaning. The forbidden tree offered a chance to choose God freely, making their love possible. When temptation enters, especially for the Mat level, the struggle begins, testing our resolve. This principle applies today: a consecrated person’s commitment is profound because they choose their vocation over worldly allurements. The devil’s illusion seeks to make forbidden choices appear delightful, but by anchoring in our identity and maintaining boundaries, we can choose God’s path, making our fidelity a powerful witness to His love.

Breaking the Illusion

To counter the devil’s illusion, we must:

Know Your Stage: Reflect on which stage of illusion—Mat, Lot, Boat, or Pot—you’re in to address it.
Guard Your Being: Prioritize your identity as God’s child over actions, letting DOING flow from BEING.
Maintain Boundaries: Watch for subtle expansions of limits, rejecting unnecessary conversations or influences.
Seek the Spirit: Stay filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer and sacraments to resist the devil.
Choose Wisely: Embrace the beauty of choosing God amidst alternatives, strengthening your fidelity.

Conclusion

The devil’s illusion in Genesis 3 distorted Eve’s identity, convincing her to disobey God to gain what was already hers. This same illusion—shifting focus to doing over being, expanding boundaries, and obscuring our God-given identity—persists today. By recognizing the devil’s strategy, maintaining spiritual boundaries, and staying filled with the Holy Spirit, we can break this illusion. God’s question, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), calls us to assess our spiritual state and return to our true identity. Through Jesus, who resisted the illusion and restored our likeness to God, we are empowered to live as His image, rising quickly after falls and choosing fidelity in the midst of temptation.