OUR GIFTS TO GOD

As you relax for sleep tonight, take a moment to consider all God gives to you, and what you give Him in return. Sometimes there's more truth to common expressions like "It is the thought that counts" than we are ready to admit. One partner shared the hurt she experienced last Valentine's Day, when a man who claimed to love her bragged to his friends about how he "didn't have to lift a finger" to select her gift. Someone had come to the office building selling bouquets and he had just taken one, sparing himself the hassle of going to a store. How do you think this made her feel? Do you think the gift said, "I love you."?

Hearing this story made me realize the full impact of the story of Cain and Abel, and how some of our "gifts" must look to God. As you remember, Cain's gift was rejected, but Abel's was accepted: "And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry..." (Genesis 4:3-4, NKJV).

Cain had just scooped up the first thing that was handy that didn't cost any personal sacrifice, while Abel truly sacrificed in faith and in love. He refused to take the "easy way out" and pawn the handiest thing off on God as a "gift." What he must have sensed is still true today...God doesn't want just our gifts, He wants our hearts. Anything less hurts!

Heavenly Father, I praise You for granting me the privilege of loving You. Give me the insights and the courage to love You with my whole heart, beyond a superficial relationship. Don't let me give only what is convenient, but teach me to be truly pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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