Worship Wars

“Worship wars” are not just a modern phenomenon. They have been around since the very beginning. Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve, are an excellent example. “So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard” (Genesis 4:3-5a). While there is no mention in the text of Genesis about God’s standards for sacrifices at that time, Hebrews 11:4 makes it clear that such standards did exist. “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

Without more information, we can only guess at the specific source of the problem. But in some way, Cain’s offering didn’t measure up. Abel’s offering was better than Cain’s in some important way. Given these facts, Cain was at a crossroads. How would he respond to his failure? Sadly, he chose to get angry rather than bring his own heart into submission. “So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5b). And things get worse from there. By the time the dust settles on this “worship war,” Cain’s anger leads him to kill his brother (Genesis 4:8).

If battles over worship cause me to react angrily and my anger leads me to “murder” a brother or sister, then something is seriously wrong in my heart. If God has no regard for my offerings, then the problem lies with me, not with God or my brother or sister. When such situations arise, I need to seek God’s will and bring my life into line with His will. Worship is meant to honor God, not to become a battleground.

God loves you!

Mike