In Genesis 4:16, we read that Cain, a farmer and Abel who reared sheep were siblings. Cain was senior to Abel. Cain, a farmer, sacrificed the produce of his farm to the Lord. Abel, who reared sheep also sacrificed the first born sheep with its fat to the Lord. The Lord was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice than Cain’s sacrifice. Out of bitterness, Cain killed his brother Abel.
Career differences
God has given each of us different talents as we are able to manage because we are all different, 1Corinthians 12:30. However, together we complement one another to God’s glory and honour, just as the body has different parts yet work together for our common good, 1 Corinthians 12:4.
We read in James 1:17 that good gift comes from God. Apostle Paul says if anyone desires additional gifts, he should ask of God who freely gives, 1 Corinthians 12:31. The bible says in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. It is our duty as Christian parents to instill discipline and contentment devoid of envy and violence in our children in accordance with God’s word.
Cain’s anger
There is no need to be envious of another’s gifts or talents. God has a different purpose for each of us. We also have different capacities to handle different gifts or talents. In Genesis 4:6-7, Cain’s guilt was a judgment of his conscience. Our conscience is the vehicle of God’s presence with us for caution and conviction of sin. We therefore do not need God’s physical presence to judge us.
Envy leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to destruction, murder and death. Let not your hear envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day, Proverbs 23:17. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, Proverbs 3:31. Examples include Saul’s envy for David; Joseph’s brothers envy for Joseph; Herod’s envy for Jesus at birth; and the Pharisees envy for the Apostles.
In Genesis 4:8-9, Cain resorted to deception when he lured Abel into the field where he murdered him. Man cannot be trusted, but God alone. We do not know ourselves to warrant any trust. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? We must therefore be guided not to volunteer information to anyone except under the instructions and direction of God. We must not trust people however close to us. We must be led by God in choosing our friends, companions and associates.
Who is our keeper?
When God asked Cain of Abel, Cain replied God if he was Abel’s keeper. Cain was thus saying that it is only God that keeps man. However, God asked Cain because He knew what he had done. Job 10:12 says, Thou hast granted me life and steadfast love; and thy care has preserved my spirit. Psalms 16:1 says Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take my refuge. Psalms 32:7 says Thou art a hiding place for me, thou preserve me from trouble; thou encompass me with deliverance.
In Psalms 97:10 we read that the Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hands of the wicked. Psalms 116:6 says the Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Other helpful confirmatory references include Psalms 138:7; 140:1; 140:4; 143:11; 145:20; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 18:2; Psalms 27:1; and Psalms 7:1.
Results of envy
Matthew 27:18; Mark 15: 10 confirms that Jesus knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. The intention was to kill him. Envy goes with murder and deceit. We must not provoke one another, nor envy one another nor be self-conceited, Galatians 5:26. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Ephesians 4:46.
Prayer
Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Jesus, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore to be the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalms 51:10-12). Jesus, in your name we pray Amen!!!
