We look at the story of Cain and Abel and think it’s the epitome of sibling rivalry. But it’s all of our story. Cain was jealous of his brother. That jealousy led to murder.

Now, you may be wondering how is that all of our story? I have never killed my brother. But the underlying cause of Cain’s action was a thought: “I am less than.”

If left unchecked this thought can lead us to sit on the sidelines of life, work hard to earn a sense of worthiness, and/or like Cain, slay others with our words.

God is encouraging you like He encouraged Cain: “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Genesis‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NASB‬‬

We have sin whispering that we are unworthy. We have the Holy Spirit reminding us that we have been equipped with all spiritual gifts and like Cain, we get to choose who we will believe. We have the deciding vote. Cain voted wrong. Some moments we vote incorrectly. But sin is not our master (Romans 6).

I encourage you today to agree with what God and the Holy Spirit says about you. And if you falter, remember you are a New Testament Christian and therefore you are redeemed and perpetually forgiven. You can get right back in the race and keep moving forward.

You have a truth that Cain did not have. Sin’s desire may be for you BUT “ Greater is the God in you than the sin that is after you.” You are victorious. You are an overcomer. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.