How to Fix the Cain Problem: Reestablishing God as Priority
By Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Columnist
The story of Cain and Abel (see Genesis 4) is one of the most captivating and disturbing stories in the Bible. Abel, the brother of Cain, was a shepherd; therefore, he presented a portion of his flock to the Lord. Cain was a farmer; therefore, he presented a portion of his harvest to the Lord.
Abel established his relationship with God as an utmost priority in his life; therefore, he sacrificed the best of this flock to the Lord, some of the fat portions from the first flocks (Gen. 4:4). Cain simply provided the Lord with an offering. God was pleased with Abel’s offering. However, God did not accept Cain’s offering. Cain became jealous of his brother and killed him. He also lied about his brother’s whereabouts to the Lord.
To say the least, Cain’s behavior was disturbing. We may infer from the text that he was confused, jealous, angry, and dishonest. It is safe to say that Cain had a problem. Inasmuch as Cain provided the Lord with an offering (Gen. 4:3), Cain acknowledged the presence of God in his life. However, God was not necessarily a priority in his life.
Cain’s behavior is reflective of the behavior of some people who simply “acknowledge” God in their lives. Instead of tithing, they want to “tip” God with an offering. Cain’s behavior is also reflective of those who espouse and exude a nationalistic religiosity in America. They undoubtedly believe in the presence and power of God on Sunday morning; however, they do not see a relationship between Christ who gave the ultimate sacrifice and separating families at the border of Texas and Mexico; holding police officers accountable who represent a nihilistic threat to Black life; protecting God’s green Earth by regulating harmful business and mining practices; and supporting career ambassadors who would rather talk to foreign leaders in an effort to prevent war with them. Like Cain, these Christians have an understanding of God; but also like Cain, confusion, anger, and dishonesty have distorted their relationship with God. The universal question that confronts humanity is “How do we fix the Cain problem?”
I believe that the “Cain problem” can only be fixed by modeling the sacrificial, giving, loving, forgiving, empathetic, honest, holy, and humble life of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we must continue to acknowledge God but also reestablish God as a priority in our lives.
Cain killed Abel. However, God—in God’s infinite mercy and wisdom—did not kill Cain. Healing and restoration can occur within and outside of the body of Christ when we reestablish God as a priority.
