Matthew 23:19

“Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?”

Some of the most significant questions I must continuously answer are the following: What are my life priorities? What am I making the greater focus of my time and resources? Is God more interested in the altar of my heart or the works of my life? These are the most critical puzzles I must continue to settle with myself if my life will remain relevant to Him.

I am a fool, and I am blind if I concentrate more on the issues of ministry to the detriment of developing my inner altar. I am a fool, and I am blind if I console myself in the “visible activities” I undertake for God, while my “invisible house” stands in disrepair and abandonment. It does not make sense to focus on these external things if the internal altar is in ruins. It doesn’t make sense at all. All the gifts I offer to God will only find a place in the heavenly sanctuary if my heart sanctuary corresponds with the divine life. So my focus needs to be on what is paramount, which is the building of the inner life. This is greater, and this should be my primary concern, always.

“Father, unwire me from the deception of focusing on offering You the external gifts when my internal altar is not pleasing to You. May I never live as a blind fool. In Jesus name. Amen.”