What We Bring

In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:4-7

Abel brought his best, and what God had commanded

Cain brought what He wanted.

Reading this morning I realized I do that all the time.  I figure in some way if I bring something to God it is good enough.  It shows I'm thinking of Him, right?  

But it's not worship.

God wants worship.  It says in His word that He seeks worshipers (John 4:23).  Worshiping something isn't doing the bare minimum.  That is fulfilling a duty or obligation.  That is work.  Instead worship is a giving of yourself in abandon, it's joyful surrender, it's complete engagement in the object of your affections. 

Cain paid his taxes.  Able rained down money on the city streets from a tall building.  

What would my worship look like if it was wanted, what He deserved from me instead of my leftovers or what was convenient?  

It is fitting and right as He is holy and deserves  glory but it also benefits us.  He created to worship Him; not because He needed us to be made (He existed in perfect community) but because He is a Creator.  That means part of His nature is making things.  Like an artist there is joy in creating, it's just fun!  Because we exist, because He made us, it is good for us when we function as we were designed too.  

When God judged Cain's sacrifice, His response was a message of hope not condemnation.  This can all change if you do what I've asked.  Yet Cain's response was jealously and murderous rage.  

Every feel jealous of another's gifts and service?  If you ignore how God is calling you to worship you are left with a decay of heart like Cain.  Maybe it's time to see what He is calling of you and not look at anyone else but Him...