Genesis 4:3–7 (NKJV)
3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD.
4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,
5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
6 So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
Give your best to God!
In sacrificing to God, Abel brought the best, the first born and their fat. Cain brought a sacrifice to God. Cain’s offering was more of an after thought, “in time.” It was not so much what he brought to the Lord, it was the attitude with which he brought it. Our offering to God must be the best. What we give and how we give is a reflection of our attitude towards God.
We are to give of our best to God not just in our tithes and offerings but in our lives. How we live our lives, how we think. We do not set the conditions of we live our lives, God does.
Give of your best to the Master (Howard B. Grose)
Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth;
throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example, dauntless was He, young and brave;
give Him your loyal devotion; give Him the best that you have.
Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth;
clad in salvation’s full armor, join in the battle for truth.
Give of your best to the Master; give Him first place in your heart;
give Him first place in your service; consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given; God His beloved Son gave;
gratefully seeking to serve Him, give Him the best that you have.