Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel……. for time and typing sake, I am not going to type out the chapter but I would ask you to read it after, before, or during this post to refresh your memory and track where I am going.  

The problem with Cains offering is really a problem with Cains heart. as I read it and reread it, I started to see that Abel valued God more than Cain. it says that Abel gave the fat portions from the first born of his flock and Cain just brought some of the fruits of his first harvest. You See Abel was looking to please the Lord with giving Him the best of his harvest while Cain was just willing to give him some. Gods’ interaction with Cain was God lovingly trying to get Cain to see and correct his heart. After Cain killed Abel and was confronted by God, his response was not guilt or shame for what he did, but about the punishment he had to face. Cain really only cared for himself.  

Friends, I have been in a place like that. I often refer to it as a prison of self. where you can’t think about anybody else but you. it’s really its own hell to be in. My prayer is that Jesus becomes the center of our universe and remains there. I pray we crucify self in order to live the abundant life found in our Lord Jesus.