THE PERSON OR THE OFFERING?
We have all heard the story about Cain and Abel,whom brought offerings to God, but one of the offerings was unpleasing and the other one was pleasing. Surely, when we read this passage we concentrate more on the word “offering” and you might think this chapter is about that; but let me show you another point of view.
Many of the times, people think the Heavenly Father is interested in their money; and even though this is partially true, His objective is not the money,instead He is concerned about what the money says about the person and their heart.
First, God saw Abel and then his sacrifice;first he saw Cain and then his gift. Why was He pleased with one of them and not the other? First, He saw the person and then their offering, not the gift and then the person.
In Abel’s case, his heart was found integrate and his vow was received with pleasure. His heart had the right attitude; he not only brought “an offering” like in Cain’s case, but he prepared the best he had before the Lord with a cheerful heart.
It is not about the amount, but about the truth; it is not about the same amount, but about the same sacrifice. It is possible for a person to bring a relatively big offering, and yet it may not be received with the same pleasure.
The next time you give God something, remember that He is mostly interested in the person than in what the person gives Him. First, He looks at the attitude then He looks at the gift.
The next time you have the opportunity to bring your tithings, service, time, songs, prayer or strength, make sure you do it like this:
Give your best.
With the right attitude.
Voluntarily.
Spontaneously.
With a cheerful heart.
Then, God will look “at you” and your offering with favor.
Think about it:
-When you bring God your offerings, have they been the best of you?
-In prayer, ask God if there is an area of your life He wants you to give to Him. What did He reply?