The Dual Man

The story of Cain and Abel brings to mind two different natures. Have you ever wondered how sometimes a person could act in a certain way at a particular time and be an entirely different person at some other time? Have you ever wondered why sometimes you find yourself doing things you never thought or believed you could do? Have you ever considered your character and realized how fluid and unstable you could be? Not to worry, God is set to help you if you can open your heart to Him. Looking at the lives of Cain and Abel, one would observe two starkly different natures which we often struggle with as children of God. The awareness that these two natures exist throws better light on how much we have to watch and guard our minds if we must live lives that will be pleasing to the Lord.

Cain and Abel were siblings and first two of the offspring of Adam and Eve. The importance of these two brothers cannot be overlooked as they represent two men: The OLD man and the NEW man. The nature man took after the fall in Genesis 3 is typified by the life of Cain: Angry, unrepentant, proud, vengeful, spiteful, conniving, pretentious and irresponsible. The old man represented by Cain was driven by self-will and the fruit was evident according to Galatians 5:19-21. The new man on the other hand is devoid of any form of deceit; he seeks righteousness and ultimately seeks to please his Father. The Bible records in Hebrews 11: 4 that Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice. This means, he offered what God wanted not what he thought was acceptable! The Bible said he offered the first-lings of his flock which is the best of what he had. His sacrifice was motivated by honor and respect and not self preservation: “And Abel, also brought of the first-lings of his flock and of the fat thereof…” (Genesis 4:4a). He was not a self or people pleaser, he was a God pleaser. Cain on the other, though a farmer, just brought a sacrifice. The Bible did not mention the quality of his sacrifice because it was not noteworthy: “And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord” (Genesis 4:3). If he had brought the best or the first fruit of the ground it would have been mentioned.

 You might want to argue that they offered different things therefore there could be no comparison, but it was not the articles for sacrifice that was important it was the quality and attitude for the sacrifice presented that differentiated these two. However, God did not hate Cain even though He did not, at that point, accept him or his offering, which was why God cautioned him of the impending evil that lurked at the door of his heart if he did not retrace his steps. God desired that Cain would repent and seek to do what was right and acceptable but instead Cain completely ignored the warning and allowed sin to master him instead of him subduing it. 

If we claim to be born again sanctified children of God, these two natures must not be found in us. We are responsible to master the flesh. It must not rule over us but we must subdue it on a daily basis until we are totally dead to its dictates. If you still entertain the fruits of the flesh in your life, it will hinder your growth and operation in the Spirit; but if you open your heart to God you will be free of its dictates. However, if such a person is obstinate to the Spirit of God such a person cannot please God. No wonder the Bible tells us: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is in enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:6-8). Thus, the questions we should be asking ourselves are: what are the fruits of my nature, how can I continually walk in this new life of Christ? The Bible admonished us “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” Philippians 2: 5 & 13. It is not an impossible feat to attain, but desire it, believe it and work at it then His grace will transcend every one of your limitations and transform you into a man like Jesus Himself. Therefore, our focus should now be a daily, continual and deliberate walk with Jesus Christ our soon coming King. GOD BLESS YOU.