At the designated time Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground for an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock - even the fattest of them. And the Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. (Genesis 4:3-5)
I fell in love with my second-grade teacher, Ms. Goodrop. She was pretty and kind. During show-and-tell, she lit up as other children displayed a picture they’d painted or a praying mantis they’d captured.
I so wanted to please Ms. Gooddrop that when she asked if I had anything, I said yes, I wanted to share a poem from the book a classmate read. There was confusion and embarrassment when the girl handed me the book, and I couldn't find a suitable poem. Ms. Goodrop tactfully suggested I come better prepared next week. The awful feeling of disappointing my pet teacher sticks with me, many years later.
All too often, the sacrifices of my heart that I bring to God are as hastily prepared as my show-and-tell poem. The Holy Spirit illuminates an area of my character that needs renewal, and I readily agree. What actually transpires is that I think briefly about the matter, then move on with nothing truly changed.
When a weakness is exposed, I must go to a quiet place and pray until the stronghold is completely surrendered. Often, multiple sessions are necessary. It’s a lifelong process, but I must not hide behind the excuse that I have my whole life to work on it.
At this time, I can only walk halfway to purity. Later, I will walk half of the remaining distance, then, when the Lord gives strength, I’ll walk half again. Eventually, the halves become minuscule, but I’ll never fully arrive in this life. I’ll always have another half to cover, and I can’t ever give up.
Changing who I am is hard work, but acceptable sacrifices always are. It’s the only way to shamelessly hold up my heart for show-and-tell when we all stand before God’s throne.
Prayer: Patient Jesus, help me make honest offerings of my heart.