Cain and Abel (better late than never)

First of all, some of the questions in the study are really tough (especially before you listen to the audio) :) I really got stuck on on thinking Why did he kill Abel?, What was the progression that led to Cain killing Abel? And through this I realized that it was a heart condition. Cain gave his sacrifice-the smallest amount he could give. I wondered why did Cain give anything at all, and I think he gave because he felt he was suppose to give as she mentions in the recording, he was religious. Abel gave his sacrifice and it was the best. He gave the best of the best. It was a heart condition! Abel wanted to give his best and Cain gave because "it was what you did" (if that makes sense).

I couldn't get off this thought; the reasoning behind both of their sacrifices, the level of their sacrifices and then God's response. I started to think "Do I give my best to God?", "Do I give with the right heart?" and "Is God pleased with what and how I give? Our giving doesn't just include money but also time, resources, our talents and gifts, etc. 

I want to have the faith to give my best every time in every situation. I know that God has blessed each of us with special talents and gifts and I want to use and give those to bring God the most glory. Cain's talent was working with the soil and it wasn't that he gave fruits (less valuable than meat) that God disapproved of, it was that he didn't give his best and didn't give with the right heart. Abel's talent was working with the flocks, and he used that talent to give the best he could. I want to use my talents to give God my best.

Last thought (I promise)- I know that I am His. But I also know how easy it is to do things out of rituals. I get ready in the mornings in the same order (down to order I dry off after a shower :) ) and church can be the same way. It is easy to get into the habit of going to church because I always have, pray because I always have, read the Bible because I was taught to, etc. I want everything I do to be because of my faith in Christ not because it is what I have always been taught to do. 

Sorry if this was too long, I can get long winded! I hope each of you has a great week!