"Time passed.  Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm.  Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat.  God liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval.  Cain lost his temper and went into sulk" (Genesis 4:3-5 MSG).

Why was God displeased with Cain's sacrifice?  Was it because Cain didn't sacrifice animals?  He could have easily traded his produce for one of Abel's quality animals.  Yet, the text doesn't specify that animals were the only sacifice God required at this time.  So, his land produce may not have been the issue.  A likely reason God wasn't happy with Cain's offering was because Cain didn't offer the best of his wealth and prosperity?  Perhaps he offered the second-rate produce to God. 

This text, as well as so many others, is dealing with our attitude toward God.  Was Abel "more" perfect than Cain?  No.  But it seems that Abel's worship to God was accepted because he used the best of what he had to offer; thereby, honoring God for who He truly is - the provider of all blessings.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

"They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing.  They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the LORD"  (Jeremiah 12:13).

Being tired is good as long as it is for the right reason.  Unfortunately, some people are tired because they choose a wicked lifestyle.  Others are tired because of a godly lifestyle.  Which lifestyle is God pleased with?

"For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such a person we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

The apostle Paul knows the importance of a good reputation.

"Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work" (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

"Your reputation preceedes you".  I have used the phrase with people who don't understand why others don't or can't trust them.  People tend not to trust those who focus everything around their own passions and desires.

Is a gossip someone with a good reputation?  How about a person who speaks evil of others - do they have a good reputation?  What about someone who does not do good and godly deeds because of their lack of love and respect for God - do they have a good reputation?

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8b)