How comfortable is sin with me? (by Lisa)

Last Sunday, we heard about the story of Cain and Abel in a different light. We realized that the problem was not what he offered to God but rather his heart’s condition before offering his sacrifice. God warned him when his sacrifice was rejected that sin was crouching at his doorway:  sin was crouching at the door of his heart because sin was made to feel comfortable there.

 

That really stuck with me. Cain’s action and thoughts allowed sin to be comfortably waiting for him at the door of his heart because he harboured thoughts and feelings that gave it power, eventually leading him to kill his own brother. I pondered about it for a long time this week:  

I took this as a word of caution for myself, to keep watch and examine my heart daily because sin can be far more comfortable and closer to me than I might think. Sins like selfishness, self-centeredness, jealousy, judgment, bitterness, or unforgiveness; the sin I allow by omitting to do what I know is right or committing what I know is wrong. Sin is always ready for me to open the door to it and take a fall; how comfortable am I allowing it to be with me? While warning Cain, God also said that sin’ desire was for him, but he should master it. That if he chose to do well, his countenance would lift. (Genesis 4:7). Cain needed to change his attitude and had what he needed to master sin, and so does each one of us. We all have a choice.

 

It has been a week of self-reflection for me as I am pondering upon these things. One important reminder was not to let myself be led by my feelings. This alone has brought such a wind of fresh air in my life this week, and I am very thankful. I decided to be more mindful of what I feel, how it influences my thoughts, and the things I say and do.