It's an attitude

TODAY'S READING: Genesis 4:1-12
I have heard a number sermons dealing with this text with varying opinions of why Cain's offering was "unacceptable." Most of these lessons have said that Cain did not offer the right thing. They have said that Cain did not follow the directions and offer what God wanted.
From the way I read Scripture, the issue is not that Cain offered grain instead of meat. The issue was not that God only wanted one kind of offering and Cain offered another. This was purely a heart issue.
Consider what God said to Cain. "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
The sin has nothing to do with the type of offering Cain gave. The sin results from the attitude in Cain's heart. Notice the difference in the offerings. Abel brought choice lambs from the best of his flock. Cain simply brought a gift from his produce.
One brought the best of his best to God, the other brought what amounted to a leftover. This is the difference.
The question that begs to be asked is, are we more like Abel or Cain? Do we offer God the best of our best? Or are we giving Him our leftovers?
Does this apply to our weekly contribution? Absolutely. Do we set aside an amount at the beginning of the week for God or do we dig in our pockets on Sunday morning to see what might be left to put in the plate? This provides a glimpse of our attitude.
But I really believe that our entire life is a response to the question above. When it comes to our lives, do we give God our best or our leftovers?
God has blessed each of us with gifts, abilities, and blessings. But are we using them for His glory or ours? Are we seeking to please ourselves or God? Is our life's aim to build a kingdom of our own or to serve in the kingdom of God?
When it comes to giving, attitude is everything. It will reveal itself in the way we give our time, our money, and our energy. It will be obvious by the way we treat others. It will determine whether we find true satisfaction and fulfillment in the things of this world or in becoming a part of the work of God as He seeks to redeem all of creation.

shine!
Jason