Rule or Ruin

“If you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4:7b

I have a wee great-grandson who is loving and distributes hugs generously to all. He likes to snuggle and be near those he loves. He engages in conversations and talks endlessly. He is funny and laughter comes easily to him. He can be quite charming. Yet, alas, he is also a rascal and full of mischief. He can be stubborn at times and has a determination to have things his own way.

After being disciplined for such naughty attitudes and actions, his mother asked him, “Why are you doing these bad things?” His answer was honest and forthright, “Because I want to!”

Ah, there’s the heart of the matter. This is the condition of the human heart. We want our own way.

The foundation stone of these attitudes is that word “I.” It’s all about me. Everything needs to benefit me, please me, attend to my pleasure and comfort.

Following the “I” comes the “want.” Our desires rule over us. They demand satisfaction. When those desires are rooted in the flesh, we are headed for trouble. And that is what happens when the I rises up against the Great I Am. When we prefer our will over God’s will, we become like the prophet Jonah. We are headed into the belly of the beast.

At that point we are no longer available for God’s blessing or God’s purpose in our lives. We, like Jonah, are running from His presence. But like that good mama, who corrects out of love, be assured discipline and correction will find us. Father knows best! He will do whatever it takes to bring us back to Himself.

There is an answer for our human condition whether we are a little boy or a full-grown woman. There is a better way to live. We find a deeper satisfaction and contentment in our God and His ways than sin could ever know.

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)?

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Father, You have made us and know precisely what will bring us fullness of joy. May we ever choose Your ways over our own and find in You all we ever needed and more than we can possibly imagine. Amen.