We have all heard the saying, “Keeping up with the Joneses,” in reference to trying to acquire enough stuff or wealth as the next person. It became such a popular statement that a show was created called, “Keeping up with the Kardasians,” not only in reference to watching this families life, but insinuating we should try to imitate it as well.
But there is also a bigger problem we face in our world other than trying to keep up with the next persons material possessions.
There is a story in the Bible about two brothers, Cain and Abel. Long story short, they both brought items before God to offer up as sacrifices.
Now the interesting thing happens when God accepts Abel’s sacrifice but rejects Cain’s.
Why?
Piecing other scriptures together we can conclude that Cain’s heart was not pure in his sacrifice to God.
Sometimes in our lives we can get so caught up try to “keep up with the Abel’s” that we forget why what our purpose and true motive should have been in the first place.
We try to be righteous, not for God, but rather so others will see our deeds and give us praise.
All God asks for is our everything.
To come to Him with a pure heart and pure motive sand give him our best. Not trying to out do whoever else is with us, but just give Him our best.
It’s not about “keeping up with the Abel’s.”
It’s about being able to go before God and say, “This is me. Take me as I am.”
*Thanks to Marty for giving me such a good blog title and for always giving something to think about.
Justin Cherry 