A Matter of the Heart

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? Genesis 4:3-6 NKJV

What’s the big deal about Cain’s offering? You might think he simply gave what he had. The real issue was not the offering itself, but it was a matter of Cain’s heart, and the real motive behind it.

Remember God knows our motives better than we do. Cain brought what he thought was befitting the Lord. Cain gave what he wanted to give rather than what God expected.

How many times have we done the same thing? We think “look Lord see all these good things I have done for you?” But does God require all these good deeds? No. He looks for the humble and contrite heart. He longs for us to truly seek Him.

Self check: What are my real motives for the activities I choose to do?

Lord God above, forgive us for the times we, like Cain, come bringing our offering rather than humility of the heart. Help us to remember you desire our inward most beings rather than the good deeds of our hands. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

~Elizabeth Marks~