Summer is quickly approaching and for many, vacation days at the beach are finally within reach. While we as humans have shown a long-held fascination and enjoyment of the ocean, we’ve also learned over time to respect certain creatures of the deep for the potential for harm they possess. Sharks, for instance, come to mind. Whether directly encountered or not, the presence of sharks is simply a reality of swimming or doing any other activity in an ocean environment. Though Hollywood would have us believe otherwise, sharks aren’t necessarily as interested in devouring people as we tend to imagine. There are, however, factors that can attract them our way, such as blood being in the water (especially of other sea life) or creating too much attention with erratic splashing. Yes, sharks can be scary, but if sternly confronted they can also be tamed and put in their place.
As sharks are to the ocean, so consider sin as being a reality of our present world. From the initial temptation and fall of mankind as given in Genesis 3, sin, or that which separates us from God, has been apart our environment since. Unlike sharks, however, people are a primary target for the devouring, bottomless appetite of sin. In Genesis 4:7 and throughout Psalms and Proverbs we learn how sin sets its desire on us, and from such texts as Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-6 that sin is in our very nature. The Apostle Paul demonstrates in Romans 7-8 that while Christ has set us free from the law of sin and death (8:2), still in our flesh we yet deal with the permeating effects of sin in this world (7:14-25). And like with sharks, though in a more certain and intense fashion, factors in our lives as well can allure sin in our direction.
This notion is made clear in the dealings of sin as described in the noted passage of Genesis 4:7-8. The account features two brothers, Cain and Abel, both of whom bring offerings to the Lord though Abel’s is found as more acceptable to God. In view of God’s preference to Abel, the text notes that Cain “became very angry and his countenance fell” (4:5). God says to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 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” (vv. 6-7). Choosing not to heed God’s counsel, v. 8 reveals that later while out in the field, Cain rose up and killed his brother. Like blood in the water, Cain’s unrelenting anger drew the temptation of sin to him, ultimately leading to his act of murder.
In a similar vein, Joshua 7 tells of how the greed of Achan leads to covetous acts which bring about the defeat of Israel at Ai and eventually the death of he and his family. 2 Samuel 11 shows how David’s unchecked lust for Bathsheba leads to adultery and the treacherous murder of her husband, Uriah. The Gospel writers repeatedly note that it was from envy that the chief priests and elders brought Jesus before Pilate, resulting in His later crucifixion (see Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10). Beyond the pages of Scripture, we too know this pattern well in our own lives. We, like Cain, have harbored anger which has led to emotional and/or physical violence. We too have entertained lust to the point of giving our minds and bodies over to impurity. And our undisclosed greed and envy as well has led us to commit unreasonable, heinous acts of sin. But as God explained to Cain in Genesis 4, the option is available to choose differently, to master sin rather than fall prey to its assaults.
As the likelihood of a sin attack is far more guaranteed than a shark attack, how can we become less attractive bait and confront sin as it comes? Much can be said on this subject, but here I offer four disciplines for consideration:
1) Call on the Name of the Lord – Proverbs 18:10 proclaims, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Availability to the name of Jesus is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of time zone, geographical location, circumstances, and so on. Immediately at the point of awareness of potential for sin—whether by way of attitude, lust, greed, etc.—rush to the throne of God, calling on the power of His name. Whether aloud or in the chambers of your heart and mind, blow the emergency whistle, call on God, and in doing so you will find that temptation is weaker and more easily dissolved than as it first appears.
2) “Switch It” – Learned years ago from a friend, this practice reflects what we read from Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 as he explains how we must utilize the power we posses in taking disobedient thoughts captive to the “obedience of Christ.” Again, as soon as the potential for sin arises, take the thought that is drawing sin near and “switch it,” meaning, replace the thought (or action) with Scripture, prayer, or other disciplines that will redirect you to Christ. By memorization, keeping a list on your phone, writing it on paper to have in your pocket, whatever works best for you—create an easily accessible “database” of Scripture to have ready for those times when you need to “switch it.”
3) Flee – Modeled after the Old Testament character Joseph, who when cornered by Potiphar’s wife to commit adultery, “left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside” (see Genesis 39:10-12), the practice of “fleeing sin” is one we should aim to live by. Whether literally, mentally, emotionally, etc., there are times in confrontation with sin when we must take our cue from Joseph and leave our “garment” behind and “get outside.” The gains of freedom in the life marked by the discipline of fleeing, far outweigh any ramifications of unpopularity or pain that inevitably come at the expense of choosing righteousness.
4) Confess – A promise is given in 1 John 1:9 that if we “confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In James 5:16 the apostle gives the instruction to “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” Hallelujah for the possibility of healing! Confession, both to God and trusted others, is often a way of pulling back the curtain on the lie that we are alone in our struggles. When sin is spoken of out loud, light is better able to penetrate the darkness and healing can be brought about, whether immediately or in progressive fashion. Find and be a trusted friend in Christ who will listen without judgement and accompany in prayer before the healing throne of grace.
Once during a surf lesson in my home state of Florida, my friend Rob told me as we awaited waves out deep, “If a shark should ever come near, remember you are a guest in its home, never panic, just let it go on by.” When it comes to sin drawing near (and it will), we too must not panic, but unlike with sharks, sin won’t just “go on by.” We must be ready to act. Keep in mind that where there is opportunity for sin, there is equal, if not greater opportunity to confront the situation head on and choose differently. Hopefully in these reflections we’ll all be a little better prepared to do just that the next time sin seeks to attack.