In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. Genesis 4:3-4
From the very outset of Scripture, we see God calls His people to bring their first and best to Him. Not the leftovers, not what remained after everything else was satisfied, but the first and finest portion. This wasn’t because God needed the brothers’ crops or animals; it was because He desired their hearts. That’s what distinguished Cain and Abel.
When we bring our first and best to the Lord, we are saying, “God, You come first.” We honor Him not only with our wealth (Proverbs 3:9), but with our time and talents, our worship, and our devotion. The first moments of our day, the first portion of our increase, the best of our gifts—these are sacred offerings when surrendered to Him.
Do we trust His promise that “your barns will be filled with plenty” and “your vats will be bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:10)? Abel did. Or are we like Cain, who ‘in the course of time’, gave God what was left after he felt secure, comfortable, and satisfied? Abel was devoted to God and lived by faith in His provision; Cain was devoted to self and lived by fear.
Bringing God our best requires trust. It means believing that when we prioritize Him, He will faithfully provide for everything else. It shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance, from obligation to gratitude. We don’t bring out of pressure; we bring out of love.
Though vitally important to our work here at Hebron, generosity is not about funding our ministry needs. It is about freedom from idolatry and participating in God’s self-giving love as citizens of His kingdom.
As a church family, may we commit anew to placing God first in every area of our lives. Let us not offer what is convenient, but what is meaningful. Not what costs us nothing, but what reflects our faith and devotion.
When we honor the Lord with our first and best, we position ourselves to experience His blessing, His presence, and His power in greater measure. May it be so!
Dan Gallagher, Stewardship Team