The Best Doorkeeper

Scripture – Scripture – Genesis 4:6-8: Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? 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.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s striking that God speaks to Cain rather than Able. Cain is the one who is upset. Cain is in the greater danger of being captured by his sinful nature. So God offers him a warning and a choice. It’s the same for us today. Cain chose to ignore God’s help. He opened the door to sin. It came in and took control.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The warning continues for me today. Sin is, indeed, crouching at the door. I have the choice of letting it in or letting Christ keep the door shut. Where I fall short is when I think I can resist sin all on my own. The only way I can master it is to let Christ master me. Sometimes, though, I don’t want to resist. I want to let my anger, for example, guide my behavior. I want to get even. On my good days, I recognize that and I give that desire over to God. I will stay open to His power today. I will trust Him and let Him guard the door for me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for your love and grace in my life. Please protect me and guide me today. At the same time, use me however you want. Thanks again.