I’m fascinated when I watch my cats stalk a rodent in the field next to our home. Crouching noiselessly in the weeds, they show remarkable patience as they wait for an unsuspecting critter to stray just a bit too close.
In Genesis 4, sin is given a catlike characteristic. It crouches in wait and desires to have us.
Cain was angry with God, as well as his brother Abel. God had accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not Cain’s. God graciously gave Cain a second chance to bring the proper offering. He pleaded with him, “You will be accepted if you do what is right. But . . . watch out! Sin is crouching at the door” (v.7).
But Cain’s anger soon mutated into hate, and he arrogantly refused to master his sin. Instead, he chose to yield to his hatred. Since he couldn’t kill God, Cain killed his own brother (v.8).
Jesus warned us that the most horrible outward sins, like murder, start in the heart. “If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22). And Peter said, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Often, we treat our sins like pets rather than killers. We convince ourselves that if they’re hidden, or accepted by those around us, they’re harmless. But sin crouches in the underbrush, waiting for the right moment to devour us. Satan will pretend to love you so you’ll feed and nurture your sins. Don’t be fooled. “Stand firm against [the devil],” says Peter. “and be strong in your faith” (5:9).
Unlike the deceptive ways of the evil one, God’s love and concern for you is always genuine. Help to fight the crouching one is only a prayer away.
More:
With Christ’s authority . . . Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
Next:
What sin is crouching at your door? Lust? Hatred? Greed? Bitterness? Pride? How does James instruct us to react to temptations from Satan? (James 4:7-8).
Astrid67 on December 2, 2009 at 3:04 am
Thanks Tim for sharing this. It speaks straight to me!
valerie offiong on December 2, 2009 at 4:45 am
I liken this concept the the “one drink” of a reformed alcoholic. An alcoholic can never have just one. That one drink could be the begining of the end for him.
The last season in my Christian walk that I went through was the result of not watching for the crouching or as I said taking the perverbial one drink.
To each Christian the one drink can be something different. For some it is a certain type of secular music. For some it may be certain clothing or venue .. etc.
But just like you said Tim watch out because satan knows what your “one drink” is and he’s waiting for you to get thirsty.
raptureready on December 2, 2009 at 7:31 am
Excellent analogy. It also reminds me of the lion who lays quietly as he watches the herd passing by him to see who in the herd is weakest. Our enemy seems to do the same thing-look for our weak spot and then attack.
The one thing I seem to forget often is that I am in a war and have been since I signed on to be a Believer. This enemy is like Alkaida..he waits for me to be complacent, distracted, or otherwise occupied and then attacks.
Vigilence.
John Tec on December 2, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Sin should not be pampered or taken care of or to be cuddled, but to be destroyed! We can do this through the Lord Jesus Christ who gives us strength!