“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV)
“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4 NKJV)
“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 firstborn 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, and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:3-5 NKJV)
Abel expressed a testimony pleasing to the Lord as he chose to offer the first and best of his livelihood to the Lord. Cain, however, tried to get by with an inferior offering that was given from sin and selfishness rather than faith and service to the Lord. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering, and rejected Cain’s, a choice had to be made. Cain could either accept the Lord’s response and repent, or reject the Lord’s rejection and grow bitter. He chose the second option and struck down Abel, taking his life.
I have come to realize through the years that when I fall short it is far easier to blame everything, and everyone, around me than to take personal responsibility. It is far easier to blame God, others, or the devil, than it is to consider what part I may have played in the situation.
I have also learned that if I am performing for the applause and approval of others I will be let down time and time again. I need to be like Abel and simply do things the right way because it is the right way to do it.
Race Tips From Abel:
- Follow the Coach’s instructions
- Remain coachable
- Give your best to the race
- People hate losing, so don’t expect everyone to love that you won (many times those closest to you will despise your win the most)
I have much to remind myself of from…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 177: “I will run a victorious “life-race” if I will learn the “life-lessons” of those witnesses who gave testimony of how to win the race.” Part 3: Abel