Monday musings
There is an old story about the man who was asked what the preacher preached about on Sunday. His reply was, “sin”. When asked what the preacher had to say about sin, the man replied, “he was against it”. It’s fair to say lots of people are against sin, but dealing with the problem of sin is easier said than done.
The first murderer was challenged by Creator God, before he had committed the act, to deal decisively with sinful temptation: "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4.7)
Improper motive led Cain to anger and jealousy, which led to a “downcast” disposition. Attitude and outlook were ripe for sinful action. But, Father God wisely prescribed that which could stop motive from becoming deed. Proper action could remedy a downcast attitude. But, harboring ill feelings and attitudes allowed sin to “crouch at the door”, ready to spring into action. Tragically, Cain refused to heed this important advice, and attitude lead to murderous action.
An important take away from this ancient record is the role of attitude and action. Deeds directed from improper motive manifest themselves in a downcast attitude. When we’ve harbored ill feelings, and acted from them, it is impossible to feel good about ourselves. Lingering guilt invites an unwelcome guest to the door of our lives: sin. Unless we deal with guilt and negative emotions in a positive, decisive way, sinful action is a mere step away.
The ability to “master” sin is ultimately available through the inner presence of the Risen Christ through the medium of Holy Spirit. Passages such as Titus 2.11-12, Galatians 5.16, and Romans 8.5-6 remind us that Spirit and grace are effective in dealing with the problem of sin. But, make no mistake: there must be a willingness on our part if there is to be success through Spirit. As long as we willingly dance with temptation, sin stands ready to conquer.
I’m as much against sin as the most adamant preacher and teacher, but I know all too well my tendency to flirt with temptation. I’m thankful for victories through grace that have spared me a great fall, but the admonition to “let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10.12) is a humbling and sobering reminder.
Sin stands ready to pounce and conquer. May we gain victory by decisively battling temptation, and acting, by the power of the Spirit, to do what pleases our Lord.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
The first murderer was challenged by Creator God, before he had committed the act, to deal decisively with sinful temptation: "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4.7)
Improper motive led Cain to anger and jealousy, which led to a “downcast” disposition. Attitude and outlook were ripe for sinful action. But, Father God wisely prescribed that which could stop motive from becoming deed. Proper action could remedy a downcast attitude. But, harboring ill feelings and attitudes allowed sin to “crouch at the door”, ready to spring into action. Tragically, Cain refused to heed this important advice, and attitude lead to murderous action.
An important take away from this ancient record is the role of attitude and action. Deeds directed from improper motive manifest themselves in a downcast attitude. When we’ve harbored ill feelings, and acted from them, it is impossible to feel good about ourselves. Lingering guilt invites an unwelcome guest to the door of our lives: sin. Unless we deal with guilt and negative emotions in a positive, decisive way, sinful action is a mere step away.
The ability to “master” sin is ultimately available through the inner presence of the Risen Christ through the medium of Holy Spirit. Passages such as Titus 2.11-12, Galatians 5.16, and Romans 8.5-6 remind us that Spirit and grace are effective in dealing with the problem of sin. But, make no mistake: there must be a willingness on our part if there is to be success through Spirit. As long as we willingly dance with temptation, sin stands ready to conquer.
I’m as much against sin as the most adamant preacher and teacher, but I know all too well my tendency to flirt with temptation. I’m thankful for victories through grace that have spared me a great fall, but the admonition to “let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10.12) is a humbling and sobering reminder.
Sin stands ready to pounce and conquer. May we gain victory by decisively battling temptation, and acting, by the power of the Spirit, to do what pleases our Lord.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:18 AM
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