A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/
I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how God reacted differently to Cain and Abel’s offerings and what is the leadership lesson.
Scripture tells us clearly how God felt:
“And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]
But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.”
Genesis 4:4-5 AMPC
I was amazed at the intensity of Gods response, had questions and found at least one answer in Hebrews, which says:
“[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. [Gen. 4:3-10.]”
Hebrews 11:4 AMPC
God clearly was not pleased with Cain but still lovingly spoke to him saying:
“And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?
If you do well, will you not be accepted?
And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:6-7 AMPC
Maybe Cain was dealing with anger because of being the first born, his assignment to work the fields, strife, or maybe envy? Whatever the driver, something was preventing Cain from honoring God appropriately.
We also see that Cain did not effectively manage or resist the sin at his door. Scripture tells us in verse 8: “And Cain said to his brother, Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. [I John 3:12.]”. Genesis 4:8 AMPC
As leaders, we must guard our hearts against the seeds of sin lying at our doors. We must watch and pray – without ceasing!
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. “
John 10:10a AMPC
God Has Made A Way of Escape:
He then said:
“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 10:10b AMPC
“Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear].
But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.”
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 AMPC
It is my prayer that we, the leaders, strive to have clean hands and pure hearts.
“Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. [Matt. 5:8.]
He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
Psalm 24:3-5 AMPC
In closing, let us proactively seek and surround ourselves with advisors and mentors “our spiritual success circle” who can help us develop and manage our guard rails so that we successfully accomplish that which God has given us to do in Jesus name.
Be Blessed!
Be a Blessing!
“AND ADAM knew Eve as his wife, and she became pregnant and bore Cain; and she said, I have gotten and gained a man with the help of the Lord.
And [next] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground.
And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]
But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.
And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:1-7 AMPC
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