...And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
The Tragedy of Pride's Competitiveness
Reading the story of Cain & Abel this time around, I was struck by how particularly tragic and wasteful Abel's death, which is to really just say that I was reminded of the tragedy of the inherent competitiveness of pride.
"Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But Pride always means enmity - it is enmity. [...] Pride is essentially competitive — is competitive by its very nature — while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident." (Mere Christianity - The Great Sin)
Cain could have examined himself, questioned his offering and the heart behind it, or at least turned his anger against his direct antagonist, God, but instead he chose the easiest, most convenient, and most innocent of targets, his brother, who's only sin was that he loved God and as such wanted to give Him the best of what he had.
The story was a cold reminder of how even the noblest of ambitions can sometimes - ironically - increase your chances of being hated by others. How messed up is that? Then again, that thought is moderated by the fact that this is something we're all guilty of to some extent and the story of Cain & Abel is a solid cautionary reminder of that.
(back to Genesis 4)
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2 comments:
When I think about this chapter, I find it interesting to ponder how confused Cain must have been. His offering of produce was probably really good. But it seems foolish because, to me, it seems like such a waste. At the time they didn't eat meat (Ge. 9:3) so it's not a big sacrifice to offer an animal. Not only did Abel do a better job of obeying God, he gave up less!
That's interesting, Peddy. I never thought to link the two re: the meat eating.
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