Acceptable Gifts

Adam was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, "I have a male child with the Lord's help. Then she also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground.

In the course of time Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering to the Lord and Abel also presented an offering- some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. Then The Lord said to Cain, "why are you furious?" And why do you look despondent?" If you do what is right, won't you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin crouches at the door. It's desire is for you, but you must rule over it."

Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out into the field." And while they were there Cain attacked Abel and killed him." Genesis 4:1-8

This offering was a free will offering, that is, it was not required. Why was Cain's offering rejected? The type of offering was one later instituted by God so it could not have been that.

If we look at the proceeding verses we see Cain had an attitude. Today is Sunday and many will give an offering, I do mine on line when I am paid. Some prefer to give it at church so that they can be a part of the offering service, this is also good. As I am by myself when I give, alone with God that is, I come to Him and say, "Lord, I want to give this amount to You", I err on the side of generosity as it is good for me. I had made a decision last year to give the first 10% of my business income. It always challenges me. I give in faith, believing that my God will supply all I need. As I approach the day of moving into a new office the costs are quite substantial and the tendency to withhold is always present but I defeat it with over- giving.

If I gave just because I had to, with a ho hum attitude I would not be given intentionally, and in faith. Cain gave without checking his life, his heart and attitude. He expected to be blessed just because he gave. Abel seemed like a humbler man. These two remind me of the two natures we can have, one arrogant and self assertive  and the other humble and relational.

Why do we give? Surely not out of fear of the consequence of not giving. Giving is an opportunity to bless our God, the church and more importantly our relationship with our God. If an offerings acceptance or rejection results in the act of destruction then we could hardly say it was given with right motive. Heart attitude and motive are important, even if all we have are two pennies. Amen!

Be a part of your church and be a part of giving to God. He will keep the devoured from the door. Amen!