"Understanding" -3

Wow; that was complex! But not really; because the thing which makes it complex is the lack of understanding; which therefore makes it hard to see the truth in knowing. You can give ten times as much as those around you, but if your motivation in giving is wrong, then how is that counted for good? Well, it is not; and it will in fact cause our heart to be hard as soon as there is difficulty or a challenge; not because we have given in error, but that our understanding was wrong in giving to be blessed. Therefore, when we are pressed in the matter of our error we become hostile towards God in that we were not accepted for our effort, even though it was wrong. Do you understand what I am saying? This is no ordinary relationship that we have in God! We are in a very extraordinary relationship which requires that we understand the abundant mercy and grace that we have been given, and to act accordingly. Not as the world acts, in doing those things which they do to be rewarded; but we are to be doing those things which we do towards God because God loves us so very very much! Okay; let me ask you this: do you think Abel was sacrificing unto God to be rewarded? Some will say that he was, and could even be able to justify that belief with Scriptures; however, there was no established practice for giving sacrifice at the time of his giving; and if anything, the only other example was that of Cain's, and yet his was wrong. So then, what motivated Abel to do what he did? Could it have been his desire to please God? That his desire to please God caused him to take something which was important to him, like the firstlings of his flock, and to offer it up to God. Okay; let me ask you this question again: do you think Cain could have traded some of his crops for one of Abel's sheep and that would have made a difference? Only if Cain's desire was to do that which was pleasing unto God in the purest sense; which would not have happened, because Cain lacked the understanding of what it meant to give an offering unto God. But what made matters worse, was that he did not want understanding in this matter, and did not pursue for it; if anything, he avoided it; because God had tried to give him understanding in the matter, yet he ignored God's instruction, and instead went in the way of sin. Do you know why? Why when we fight with our brother or sister, is there such a strong wedge that is placed between us? Pride!!! "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all of his thoughts." (Psalm 10:4)