Two choices on the shelf | Anchored in Hope Devotions

Oftentimes in the Christian life, we find ourselves battling between two choices, pleasing God or pleasing self.

We feel the pull towards pleasing ourselves. In fact, before we were a believer, that is all we ever knew. But, as a believer, we should be able to stop and think, “Is this really honoring to God?”

Ever since Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, humans have had desires contrary to that of their Creator. This can be seen all the way back in the story of Cain and Abel.

In Genesis 4, Cain is seen jealous of his brother because God accepted his brother’s offering, but not Cain’s offering. God says to Cain in verses 6 and 7: “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.”

We see here that Cain faces a choice. Do what he knows is right and give an acceptable offering to God or let his jealousy to his brother build up.

God told Cain that he “must rule over” his sin, but we see in verse eight that Cain gives in and chooses to please his desires rather than God’s.

“Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.” - Genesis 4:8

Cain is now known as the first murderer in Scripture.

However, this is not the end of the story, because God has provided a way of redemption, both eternally and presently for all who have trusted in Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation!

“7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.” - Ephesians 1:7-10

 Let us choose Christ as we navigate our decisions today!

- Ramiro D. Franco