“So the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.’”  
Genesis 4:6-7

A Stitch in Time

We’ve all heard and understand what is meant by the expression, “A stitch in time saves nine.” That describes this devotional in a nutshell.

Several years ago we had a problem with ground squirrels. With much diligence on our part we were able to eradicate several of them from our property and have since enjoyed a welcomed respite from their destructive habits. 

But then… a few days ago we discovered that a “litter” of ground squirrels had been born under our front porch—we saw the babies emerging out from the safety of their burrow. They were very docile and seemed too young to be venturing out on their own. I thought maybe something had happened to their mother before they were weaned. They were so little, about the size of a chipmunk. We knew we had to somehow get rid of them before they escaped and multiplied. But how could we destroy them when, like any baby critter, they were so cute and helpless? I just wanted to ignore the problem, hoping it would just go away by itself, but of course it wouldn’t.

This reminds me of how God continually deals with me in my natural bent toward sin. Temptations can come as critical thoughts, judgmental attitudes, and discontentment. These things, when they start out, can seem so harmless at first, but if not taken care of at the onset they can develop into full grown and uncontrollable problems. Just like those cute little innocent babies, when full grown, will wreak havoc in my yard.

James warns us that, “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14, 15). When we “nurse and rehearse” those ungodly thoughts and attitudes, they grow and can lead to a root of bitterness that causes trouble and defiles many (Hebrews 12:15).

Temptations WILL come. Sin IS lurking at your door. Will you rule over it before it has a chance to grow and raise Cain with the good things God has purposed for you?

“Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit Who prompts us and empowers us to rule over sin in our lives! I praise You for Your loving-kindness and goodness.”