Righteous Etiquette

"How do you react when someone suggests you have done something wrong? Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? After Cain's gift was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. But Cain refused. The next time someone suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of Cain's."

Life Application Sudy Bible devotion
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Genesis 4:6-7 NLT
“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

Digging Deeper

     This devotion truly reminds us of God's heart and goodness. After Adam and Eve fell into sin, and God banishes them from the garden, He doesn't reject them completely and abandon them, but continues to speak and show them the right way to live and avoid sin, speaking even to their children. 

     In Genesis 4:6-7, God takes the time to speak to Cain about his unacceptable offering.  God notices his countenance and asks Cain why he's angry and looks dejected.  God proceeds to speak to Cain, admonishing him to do what is right and acceptable and how to avoid the temptation of sin when it stands "crouching at the door".  He not only could see Cain's anger on his face, but God came to Cain and wasted no time in reminding him of what is right, teaching him the righteous etiquette needed that would make his offering acceptable.

     Just as God tried to help Cain and keep him on the right track, God does the same for us, even more.  He told Cain to subdue the sin that crouched at his doorway like a thief and to master it.  Cain was able to master his sin and subdue it, or God would not have told him so.  But Cain chose to hang on to anger, to hate, to murder; to all that was unacceptable in God's eyes.  I heard a wise, young lady once say, "Anger leads to death".  We are no different than Cain.  We have the choice to let go of what is unacceptable and leads to death.   We have the Spirit of the resurrected Christ residing within us to help us overcome our sin and subdue it. 

1 John 5:3-5 NIV

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

God loves us and desires that we live acceptable lives.  When we fall short of his righteousness, God still cares about how we feel and why.  He is just as determined to speak to us, admonish us, and guide us back to truth as he did Cain without delay. 

-Is there an area in my life that is not acceptable to God?

-Is there a sin that crouches at my doorway like an unforeseen thief?

-What areas in my life have I allowed myself to be vulnerable to the enemy?

-Are there places in my spiritual house that need fortified.

-Has God tried to speak to me about it and show me truth?  Have I rejected it like Cain?

-Did I reject God's admonishments?  It's time to count the cost of past mistakes, and say, I'm ready to change, submit this to Christ, and ask the Holy Spirit to empower me.