READING: Genesis 4-7
I think one reason we continue to fall into sin is that we don’t fully recognize its destructive power. We settle for the temporary “whatever it is” that sin brings, and fail to think about the costs of our decision. Even a cursory look at the effects of sin in Genesis 4-7 shows the consequences of our taking the enemy’s bait:
Sin disrupts and destroys relationships. Not only did Adam blame Eve for his sin (Gen. 3:12), but their sinfulness passed to their children as one son killed another in Genesis 4:1-16. That early violence only spread from there.
Sin “crouches” at the door, seeking to conquer us. It is like a lurking animal, ready to attack: "If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it” (Gen. 4:7). In fact, some scholars even think the crouching image represents a demon.
People die. Read the genealogical account of Genesis 5, and here’s what you find: with the exception of Enoch, everyone else’s story ends with “and he died.” That’s what sin does.
Wickedness multiplies. The wickedness on the earth was so great (even with the possibility that fallen angels had sex with women in Genesis 6:2-4) that God determined to bring judgment on the earth. That pattern continues: apart from God’s grace, none of us defaults into righteousness — and one step into evil opens the door to the next step.
Sin ultimately brings judgment. The summary of the Noah story makes that clear: "He wiped out every living thing that was on the surface of the ground, from mankind to livestock, to creatures that crawl, to the birds of the sky, and they were wiped off the earth. Only Noah was left, and those that were with him in the ark” (Gen. 7:23).
ACTION STEPS: It’s clear that sin destroys. Knowing that truth today . . .
- Be aware of where sin is crouching at your door. Choose to master sin rather than have sin master you.
- If sin is disrupting a relationship today, work to fix it. Seek reconciliation.
- Know that you are not “getting away with” your sin. It always has consequences — so don’t let the enemy win today.
PRAYER: “God, help me not to forget Your Word when sin crouches at the door today. Give me the wisdom and the strength to say ’no.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 8-11
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