Is Sin Crouching?

Let's talk about sin. Woah, Angela, why such a heavy topic ?...I know some of you are thinking that so let me defend my case here for just a second. :)

Let me take you back, like way back to the beginning of the Bible. You may be familiar with the story of Cain and Abel, the first brothers and first children of the first humans to walk the earth. Well Cain had a rebellious streak and didn't particularly like that God favored Abel and Abel's offering. You see, Abel was a farmer and loved the Lord and brought God the best of his flock with a sincere and grateful heart. Cain wasn't as obedient and his heart posture was different, and he offered God just a simple and casual offering. This obviously didn't go over well with God because He asks for our best. God's lack of appreciation and favoritism towards Abel angered Cain, and in that anger and jealously, a plot to murder his brother was born.

God knowing all, spoke to Cain in Genesis 4:6 and asked "Why are you angry? Whis is your face downcast? .....sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.". God knew that what's in a man's heart, so flows from it (Luke 6:45), and He tried to warn Cain. He gave him strict direction...sin is couching at your door; you must take control and guard your heart. God spoke to Cain BEFORE he sinned. Even though God was disappointed in Cain's offering, God still loved him enough to correct him and warn him of what was lurking.

I wonder how many of us get that little nudge in our gut that says, "sin is lurking at the door" and we dismiss it and say "oh, this is innocent", not realizing that sin isn't always bold, smack in your face, red flags. No, that's way too easy of a giveaway for the devil's tactics. He's much slyer than that.

Let's look at King David's journey. David was a man after God's own heart and STILL managed to mess some things up, didn't he? A King who should have been to war with his army, was at home casually hanging out when he decided to take a leisurely stroll on his rooftop. That's where he saw Bathsheba. That's when he had a choice. Look away or open the door to sin that was crouching. (2 Samuel 11:1-4)

Joseph was also faced with a similar decision. Potiphar's wife liked Joseph. Like really, really, realllly liked him. She consistently chased him and begged him to, ahem, have some extracurricular activities with her, and time and time again he refused. One day Potiphar's wife created the perfect storm and cleared out the palace so they could be alone. Grabbing his cloak, she demanded he sleep with her! Sin not only crouched, but it straight up knocked down the door. (Genesis 39:7-9)

David and Joseph both had a choice.

Give in to temptation or honor the commitment they already made to the Lord.

Friends, we also have a choice. Each and every day. Do we take a second look, do we give in to peer pressure, do we lean into our fleshly desires, or do we honor the commitment we have made to the Lord?

One choice comes with consequences, destruction and repentance.

The other comes with blessings, honor and a closer relationship with the Lord.

The choice is yours.

Sin doesn't come with warning lights. It comes in the second glance, the "innocent" lunch or silly meme texts with that co-worker of the opposite sex, the little white lie that "doesn't hurt anyone" or even the lunchtime gossip with a friend because you "need to vent". It shows up in comparison, bitterness, old habits, thoughts that linger and jealousy.

It's subtle. It's quiet. It's intentional.

It's crouching.

I pray that if you are struggling with sin, or you are listening to the knocking on the door with your hand on the doorknob, that you immediately stop, repent and guard your heart! God is quick to accept our repentance and embrace us. He loves us, He wants us to flourish, and He cares enough to warn us of sin that's crouching. Pray to Him today and ask Him to reveal any sin that you don't notice, or repent of the sin you are participating in. Let Him be the Lord over your life as you submit to His will.

If you are struggling with sin, please don't struggle alone. Reach out to me or someone you trust and let's us pray over your life.