Sin is Crouching at Your Door

Opportunity for Correction

Scripture
Genesis 4-6

Observation
The personification of sin in the fourth chapter of Genesis always grabs my attention. Cain offered a sacrifice that God did not accept. God says to him, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" It was not just a matter of the sacrifice being accepted. God personally intervened by warning him of the pitfall that awaited him if he didn't get over his anger and disappointment. In other word, he still had a chance to do the right thing. Cain chose the wrong thing and fell to the power of sin. "But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

Application
The lesson is clear. When I fall short I can accept God's grace and correct the error of my way. If I don't I am opening the door to sin. Cain's anger and downcast expression were in indication that things were not right in his heart. He resented his brother whose sacrifice was accepted. He was jealous. Proverbs 27:4 says, "Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but who is able to stand before envy?" Envy is intolerable. Beware of envy. It will master you if you don't master it.

I don't think it is wrong to desire to be as 'spiritual' as someone else, provided you are willing to pay the price in service self-sacrifice and humility. Wanting to be close to God is an honorable desire. When we see an example of this we should be inspired. However, some people become jealous, resentful and petty. They attack the person who has what they do not have. This is very wrong.

Prayer
Lord, give us clean hands, give us pure hearts. Help us to humbly receive correction from you.