An Acceptable Gift

When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. . . . But [God] did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.

Genesis 4:3, 5

THE STORY OF CAIN AND ABEL IS well-known and tragic. It begins with two brothers born to Adam and Eve. Given the personal relationship and face-to-face interaction their parents once enjoyed with God in Eden, you would think these brothers would want to please God.

Nevertheless, Cain gave an offering that displeased God. The Bible notes that Abel offered the firstborn and the fat portions (the best), but all we know about Cain’s offering is that he eventually gave “some of his crops.” Cain knew what God wanted, yet apparently he chose to give just a token offering.

Notice also that it wasn’t just Cain’s offering that displeased God; it was Cain himself. God was the true source of Cain’s harvest (Mark 4:27), yet Cain didn’t display an attitude of thanksgiving or true worship. He simply went through the motions. The rest of the story tells how Cain’s selfish disregard devolved into further sin, just as sin can do for us today.

God isn’t fooled by our actions. He knows the attitude of our hearts when we pray, read, sing, and tithe. He looks with favor on those who truly worship Him, but He is not pleased when we merely go through the motions.

BOTTOM LINE

Before giving or serving in church, pause to consider why and how you’re doing it. Let thanksgiving and true worship be your motivation.

Moment of Strength: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11