Motives

What are your motives when you give of your time, talents or money?  Do you feel God needs to be bribed?  Is it because you need to feel good about yourself?  Is it because everyone else does and you feel obligated?

By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did.  By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.  And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.   Hebrews 11:4

Abel gave from the firstborn of his flock and gave out of his faith and obedience of God.  And so his sacrifice was seen as better.  He heard God's Word and obeyed.  On the other hand, Cain gave his sacrifice out of obligation, as a mere formality, not acting in faith towards God.  

We should give back to God out of faith, a faith that is effectual, manifesting itself by its works.  We show our faith by what we do and what we give back to God.  Our actions work to make our faith complete.  Give back God's portion of what he has given to us.  But do so out of faith and we will be righteous in his eyes.