A Renewed Heart.

There are diverse common and biblical practices in Christendom, and the giving of offerings (financial or material tokens) is one of such practices.

Offerings make me think of Cain, whose offering many of us have long believed was rejected by God because it was not good enough compared to Abel’s (thank God for our teachers back then in children’s church😂).

It looks so when reading the Bible on a surface level, because we get a detailed description of Abel’s offering, while not much was said about Cain’s offering. However, there’s more to it.

God rejected Cain’s offering because his heart was ungodly. This was also revealed in his actions after his sacrifice was rejected. The Bible said he was very angry, even before God Himself.

Cain didn’t stop there, he went ahead to kill his brother and answered God arrogantly later on.
Romans 12:1-2 gives the requirement that Cain didn’t possess, which was a heart posture of total submission unto God.

The verses say we are meant to present our bodies (that is, our very selves) as a living sacrifice (let God know you live dedicatedly for Him), holy (being without blame) and acceptable which is our reasonable, true and proper act of service. And we can’t do this without first renewing our minds.

The mind is the source of thoughts and actions; the meeting point of the spirit, soul and the body. The prevailing thoughts of a person determines their actions. It is very essential, therefore, to renew your mind through fellowship with fellow Christian brethren, and by meditating on and applying Scripture you have learned.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

Proverbs 21:2 (KJV)

What thoughts rule your heart? Do they reflect a good source or an evil one?

You can’t pretend forever; life will bring issues your way which you may have to react to instinctively, and it is what your heart is full of that will determine your responses.

Like Cain, if God is not the one ruling your heart, your offerings—whatever they may be—will not be pleasing to God, because, in the real sense of things, He doesn’t spend our money, He only takes the glory attached.

And there is nothing more glorious than God having the heart of His children.