Do Well, Rule Well!

Genesis 4:6-7

6 The LORD said to Cain, “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.”

There are many theories about why God didn’t accept Cain’s offering–but the answer appears to be very simple: Cain didn’t ‘do well’, and thus his offering was not acceptable in God’s sight. God reminded him: “Do well, and you will be accepted!”

This ‘doing well’ included the giving of offerings to God, but it also included the necessity of manning up and ruling over the sin that lay in wait for Cain. God knew the temptation Cain was about to face, and gave him an opportunity to exercise self-control. God didn’t say “It would be so nice if you were able to rule over sin…” Instead God gave an instruction: “You MUST rule over it!”

It is so much easier to blame others for the outcomes I receive, rather than taking ownership! If I can keep pointing fingers outward, then I don’t have to take responsibility!

This passage reminds me that God has equipped me with all that I need, when I rely on Him. In my own strength, I am not sufficient to the task of ‘doing well’ and ruling over sin in my life. But with the strength of my Maker, I am equipped with all that I need for a victorious and overcoming life!

I choose to live each day of 2026 with a heart to do well before God. I choose to rule over sin, which means I must rule over my own passions and desires. I choose to submit my life to Him, that I may be under the authority of the one who gives me strength.

God, I want to do well in your sight. Help me today to rule over sin, instead of letting sin rule over me! I know this is only possible through your strength and your authority–so I choose to submit my life to you, and acknowledge you as my Lord.