October 14, 2024
Do you remember the Huxtable family of days gone by? The dad was a doctor, the mom was an attorney, they had five children, they lived in a large home in New York and there were always more laughs than tears in their household. The most significant asset of the family was that any problems they faced were always solved in 30 minutes or less.
Of course, if you recall the Huxtables, you know they were a fictional family from “The Cosby Show.” For several years, it was the most-watched television sitcom in the country.
Sadly, we have learned in recent years that Bill Cosby and Cliff Huxtable were two entirely different people. The ideal American dad on the screen and the real person off camera were not parallel. It should serve as a reminder to all of us that, in real life, there is no such thing as a perfect family.
The Bible is filled with stories of families. Their stories read like something from a movie. Murder, adultery, slander, slavery, envy and a host of other transgressions permeate the experiences of families in Scripture. The original family was not free from problems.
As Adam and Eve raised Cain and Abel, the brothers exhibited different skills and abilities. If you have more than one child, you know the same could be said of your children.
They are usually different in many ways. Abel’s work involved livestock, and Cain worked the ground as a farmer.
Together, they used their efforts to support the family.
From the earliest of days, God’s people were expected to recognize His blessings and worship Him. It is a matter of having a grateful and obedient heart. Much has been written and supposed about the difference between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings. Why did God accept Abel’s offering and reject Cain’s?
Three prominent beliefs may give you some insight. One was that Cain’s offering was not the best he could do. Next, some believe that Cain’s attitude was not genuine when he made the offering. Finally, others conclude it’s because Abel’s offering consisted of blood and his brother’s did not. We are not 100% sure, but it makes for a good discussion.
The result of Cain’s anger was the first murder in history. In his rage, Cain forsook the value of human life and also the love he should have had for his brother. As a pastor, the worst and most challenging conflicts I have attempted to help with are those of problems in people’s own families.
There is a level of bitterness and resentment in families that is not seen elsewhere. God gave Cain the opportunity to change His attitude. Instead, he chose to harbor the hate in his heart and act upon it.
It is not possible for us to genuinely love God and hate someone else at the same time. Love and hate cannot coexist in the life of an authentic Christian. Who in your family do you need to forgive today? I pray you do so.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
