“And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” 1 Timothy 2:14

When it comes to taking responsibility for our failures, men do a splendid job of passing the puck. Sure, God told Adam he could eat from any tree in the garden except one. But did you ever wonder why God didn’t warn Adam that he was about to be tested? Adam flunked, of course. All men do. But he had excuses. All men have those, too.

“I wasn’t there. It wasn’t my idea. You can’t pin this on me,” he might have said as he sulked away from the garden.

In some ways Adam’s sin was greater than Eve’s. He’d received the instructions from God Himself. And he’d been given the job of protector, provider and leader. But when he stepped aside and left Eve exposed to the enemy’s attacks, Adam relinquished his power.

He became a wimp.

It’s sad that men can’t be content with God. But we aren’t. Women make us feel strong, needed and worthy. The allure of the female form tempts us to trade our power for impotence. When the time comes to stand and fight we flee and fantasize. Each time we glance down a blouse, up a skirt or around the edge of a bed room door, we’re picking Eve over God.

No, Adam was not deceived. Eve holds that dishonor. Adam knew what he was doing and the consequences are more severe. We shrink back from adventure, refuse to fight for what we know to be right. As men, we’ve taken our place at the back of the line. Hands in our pockets, heads hung low, hearts broken.

If God has placed you in a relationship, then lead. Be the man. Shoulder the burden of responsibility and fight for the integrity of your family. Your boys are watching. Your daughters are hoping. And your wife is waiting for you to be the knight in shining armor that God intended you to be.

And so is God.