God's States his Will to Cain

Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel. Although much can be learned from that famous account, I am particularly struck by God's simple statement of his will to Cain.

First, some background. At the beginning of the story, Cain and Abel both bring offerings to God. For reasons not explicitly stated, God accepts Abel's offering, but rejects Cain's. Perhaps Cain's offering was of low quality. Or perhaps Cain gave his offering grudgingly, rather than through joyful praise of God. Whatever the reason, the situation greatly angered Cain.

God then says to Cain (Genesis 4:6-7, ESV),

Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 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, but you must rule over it.

This same message applies to every one of us, every day of our lives. We must "do well," which means keeping his commandments and defeating sin.