Good Morning.
Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (Genesis 4:1-3)
Fathered by the same man, born of the same woman, and yet, Cain and Abel were worlds apart. One is called “righteous” by the Messiah (Matthew 23:35) and the other is regarded as being “of the wicked one” (1 Jn 3:12). How can two brothers raised in the same family be so different? It is a mystery but it is a scenario we see played out everyday.
Perhaps one issue that may have contributed to their very different worldview is how they used their talents. Cain followed in his father’s footsteps and became a farmer, working with the ground that had been cursed. Abel, on the other hand, tended to that which had been blessed by the Creator. Understanding that working the ground in order to eat had to be done, nevertheless, I’m suggesting that what we involve ourselves with has significant impact on our outlook on life.
When we engage in activity that is wholesome, full of life and blessed, then it will have a positive impact on us. When we are continually dabbling in things that are contentious, unfruitful and cursed, it will likely affect us in a negative way. This is why Paul said:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
So no matter our vocation, today, let’s try and focus on those things that are praiseworthy; let us focus on our Master and overcome any and all obstacles that impede our way to living an abundant life.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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