If you do well, will you not be accepted?

 Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. *3*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 contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

Genesis 4:2-7

What was Cain’s problem?

Some may know the section of scripture that comes next, but do you notice the indicators in these verses that something is wrong? Clearly, Cain wants to be the best, and be recognised as not just being accepted, but better than his brother. When he is not, he becomes jealous. This leads to disappointment and anger, but not regret or remorse. It seems that Cain’s offering was more about himself than about honouring God. He did it so God would be happy and commend him, instead God challenged and corrected him, yet Cain would not heed the advice. God even warned him that his mindset could lead to sin - so far he had not sinned in this situation, but God told him that if he didn’t sort out his own heart and response then it would lead somewhere he shouldn’t seek to go. The encouragement for Cain was to listen to instruction and learn to manage himself, to learn self-control. 

This is the kind of worship God seeks.

Are you someone that gets jealous of others? That looks around to see if you are better in your own eyes than yours around you? Have you  ever been corrected but been more offended than consider if it’s true or not? 

If so, what do you think God would be saying to you right now?

You could even be doing things for God, worshipping, sacrificing, living a ‘christian’ life, but if you’re doing it all to gain recognition from God or man, then you are in danger just like Cain was. Your heart will become prideful, if it isn’t already, and you need to watch out for the sin that is crouching ready to take you out. 

Listen to God’s advice; ‘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 contrary to you, but you must rule over it.’

Watch out for yourself, if you catch yourself comparing yourself to others or being jealous of the gifts of others or their commendation, then take a step back and refocus. It’s an opportunity to consider - are you doing well? Is God getting your best? 

Cain’s gift could not match Abel’s gift in one way, because they had different workloads and responsibility, yet Cain could still of brought the best of what he had rather than be in competition with those around him. Cain could have accepted the rebuke and restored the relationship between himself and his brother and between him and God, yet he allowed his disappointment in himself to turn into self-pity and hatred. 

Be warned! Be aware of your own heart and mind before God and others. The temptation will be there, but are you willing to admit it and ask forgiveness? Are you willing to restore your relationships and heal your heart? Will you watch out over your own heart and reactions? 

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.