F O O T H O L D
READING
15 THE DISEASE
PRAY Heavenly Father, give
me wisdom that I may understand and receive
your word today.
READ Genesis 4:116.
THINK Are there any warnings
in this story? Does it help to explain how
bitterness grows between
people or groups of people (even between
Christian groups)?
FOCUS No sin is limited in
its effects to just one person and that is
especially true in the case
of Adam and Eve. Paul tells us (Romans
5:12,14) that their sin
affected the whole human race. We see just
how quickly the results of
the first act of rebellion show up and
how others are drawn in.
Notice, too, how in Cain's
experience, one sin led to another. He
started off with a WRONG
ATTITUDE TO GOD (35). It is difficult to
see exactly why his
sacrifice wasn't accepted perhaps he didn't
offer the best ('some' verse
3 ... 'the best', verse 4). But his
anger and resentment show
that he was more concerned about his own
reputation and pride than
about pleasing God. Abel had the right
attitude there was
humility and reverence. That is what pleases
God.
Cain also had a WRONG
ATTITUDE TO SIN (7). Sin has to be resisted.
Once we let a wrong idea in,
it will slowly take over until it
controls us. Recognise the
power of sin 'crouching' like an
animal waiting to spring. Be
ready to fight it with God's help.
Then he had a WRONG VIEW OF
OTHER PEOPLE (8,9). Our newspapers
often contain stories of
people just like this. Other people get
in the way so they are
disposed of by murder, divorce, dismissal
or just by being ignored.
But look at God's attitude. He values
everyone and expects the
same from us.
PRAY Think of people who
feel unwanted and undervalued. Pray for them.
Think of something you could
do to show love and support for
someone who needs it. Ask
for God's help to carry out your good
intention.
