The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart!

Gen 4:3 And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of
the fruit of the ground. 4 But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest]
firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the Lord had respect
(regard) for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and his offering He
had no respect...

What are you offering to God that is worth anything? In Genesis we see that

Cain and Abel both gave to God. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground and

Abel brought of the finest firstborn of his flock. What was the difference?

For some reason God was not pleased with Cain's offering. God spoke to Cain

and gave simple instructions to do what is pleasing to God and if Cain

ignored God, that sin crouches at the door. Cain then killed Abel. Cain was

angry, prideful and jealous. These are the same emotions that get us into

trouble today. It all comes down to, the heart of the matter is the matter

of the heart. Many times as a believer, I give to God whatever I want and

not what He desires. God desires our best and not just what is lying

around. Not just "an offering", but our best. By faith, Abel offered to God

a more acceptable sacrifice (Heb 11:4). Thank God that Jesus gave His best,

Himself for us, so that we can have righteousness before God, and be

accepted.

Douglas