By Bob Weber | Tuesday, May 29, 2018 | 9:49 AM
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. Genesis 4:3-5 (NLT2)
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. Hebrews 11:4 (NLT2)
Anyone who truly knows God, knows that God wants our very best. In fact, faith in God is demonstrated by giving God our very best. All of us who have been saved from sin and have been called by God to come into a personal relationship with Him know this. However knowing it and doing it are not the same.
Sometimes, WHAT we give to God defines our faith. This is especially true whenever we know what God wants from us. Other times, WHEN we give to God defines our faith. Both Cain and Abel had it in their hearts to give an offering to God. What was given was determined by what each had to give. However, WHAT was given was not as important as WHEN it was given. Cain did not present the first fruits of his crops but waited until all of his crops were ready to be harvested and gave God some of them. Abel, on the other hand, gave God not only the first of the increase of his flock but also the best of the first born. Cain gave with the knowledge of what he would have left over for himself, Abel gave not knowing whether or not his flocks would continue to increase. His faith for his continued provision was not in what he had. He trusted God to continue to take care of his needs.
If God is asking something of you today, don't wait until tomorrow to do it. If it is to forgive someone, do it now. If it is to help someone, do it today. If it is to give an offering, don't put it off. Remember it is not just WHAT we give but WHEN we give it!