 | As believers, everything we do and say should be an act of worship to our Father. Giving tithes and offerings is no different, and we surely cannot fool God by our outward actions when our attitude is not where it should be. One prime example that demonstrates this is found in Genesis 4, verses 3 through 5: "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's offering, but He did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent." HCSB. |
Notice that the scripture mentions specifically that Abel brought some of the firstborn - the first fruits of his labor as an offering to God. This reveals to us that his relationship with God was his first priority. (Hebrews 11:4)
But notice how scripture records that Cain merely brought the fruit of his labor (not the first fruit) - 'in the course of time'.
This shows us that his relationship God was not first in his heart.
You can also see this in his attitude toward God when his offering was not accepted. Instead of repenting and seeking what would be acceptable, he actually blew up and copped an attitude with his Most Holy Creator! Now before we all jump on the bandwagon to point our judging fingers at Cain; we need to think about the times we tried to present God with our so-called "gifts" of physical, emotional, and spiritual "leftovers".
We all need to remember that God knows our hearts and He is not looking for us to work for His love and approval by the things we do for Him or others. He is looking for us to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). He knows we cannot do this on our own; that is why Jesus lived the perfect life for us; and showed us what true sacrifice is. It is only through His grace that we can give tithes, offerings, and everything else in a true attitude of genuine worship to our Father God who is worthy of nothing less.
John Clark
But notice how scripture records that Cain merely brought the fruit of his labor (not the first fruit) - 'in the course of time'.
This shows us that his relationship God was not first in his heart.
You can also see this in his attitude toward God when his offering was not accepted. Instead of repenting and seeking what would be acceptable, he actually blew up and copped an attitude with his Most Holy Creator! Now before we all jump on the bandwagon to point our judging fingers at Cain; we need to think about the times we tried to present God with our so-called "gifts" of physical, emotional, and spiritual "leftovers".
We all need to remember that God knows our hearts and He is not looking for us to work for His love and approval by the things we do for Him or others. He is looking for us to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). He knows we cannot do this on our own; that is why Jesus lived the perfect life for us; and showed us what true sacrifice is. It is only through His grace that we can give tithes, offerings, and everything else in a true attitude of genuine worship to our Father God who is worthy of nothing less.
John Clark