Have you ever wondered how Cain and Abel could end up so night-and-day different from each other? Think about it:
- Same parents
- Same home
- No peer pressure
- No real outside influences
Yet Cain became a farmer and the first murderer, and Abel became a shepherd and the first murder victim.
Yes, I know personality and temperament come into it. But so does the involvement of their parents. It’s interesting that Eve (not Adam) names their boys. There seems to be a little bit of “father absenteeism” that is involved here, but more telling is the commentary that Eve makes in naming her boys.
With Cain, she said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” Digging a little deeper in the Hebrew language, Cain means “a possession.” So Eve said, “This is mine. I did it.”
When Abel is born, there is no commentary. However, his name means “breath.” Something only God can give.
See the difference:
Cain = mine!
Abel = God’s!
As a result, Cain grew up wanting to do things to please himself, and Abel only wanted to please God.
As a parent, I always have to remember that my children are God’s. He loaned them to me to raise them up to serve and love Him. They are not mine, they are His.
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3)
Keep that in mind, Moms and Dads, when you’re interacting with God’s gifts and rewards.
Craig T. Owens 