Have you ever wondered why Cain's offering was rejected by God in Genesis 4:5? Many have believed that it was because Cain did not offer a blood sacrifice. I understand why some believe that way, but what is interesting to me is that the New Testament does not mention what was sacrificed, but the manner in which the sacrifice was offered. In other words, Cain's attitude seemed to be the majority of the problem. Jude verse 11 calls this attitude the "way of Cain." Let's look further.

Verse 11 says, "Woe unto them! (carnal men) For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." This verse reveals Cain's attitude problem: greediness and a desire for preeminence. Cain was serving God for the wrong reasons. He was after the benefits of serving God and not developing a relationship with the Father! He was not a man after God's heart, he was a man after God's wallet! He wanted recognition more than relationship! If you study Baalam's problem in Numbers 22, it was greed. Look also at Core's (spelled Korah) situation in Numbers 16. He tried to gain a place of recognition by exalting himself above Moses. It resulted in his death!

The way of Cain will always produce less than desirable results. Let's avoid this trap and keep our motives pure in all that we do! Have a great week!

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