15/08/2021
THE POSITION OF YOUR HEART
“There is one basic thing that we need before we can talk about prayer, fasting or giving an offering; the position of your heart. Many Christians have neglected this and it is for this reason that they are discouraged in their Christian walk as their prayers go unanswered, their worship and presence in God’s house is in vain.
Matthew 5:23 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” What is this GIFT that the scripture talks about? Is it money? Certainly not! Take note that the word GIFT is a pregnant term; in this context it refers to anything that translates as an act of worship to the Heavenly Father. Be it waving your hands in praise, uttering sweet words in prayer or even sweeping His courts- these are but examples of gifts you offer to God.
Many a time, our focus as believers is on the gift we offer but never the manner in which we render it- we only mind the water but never its spring. However, we ought to open our eyes to this fact; 'a gift becomes acceptable not because it has been offered but because of the manner it is offered.' This means that the state of the heart that gives an offering determines whether it is considered sanctified and acceptable or defiled and unacceptable thus being an abomination before God. James in his fourth chapter highlights that the motive behind our prayers, fasting or worship matters the most! Take note that God is not just concerned about your presence in the church rather He looks at the state of your inner man; He considers whether you are there for a Godly purpose or for your own classic or selfish reasons. Does the Bible not say “make a tree good and its fruit will be good?” Then surely, where the motive be wrong, the offering equally becomes wrong!
The mortal body does not just need food but it needs HEALTHY food; if it so happens that it takes in undesirable and unhealthy food, it immediately rejects it and throws it out. The very same principle applies with God; He only wants a healthy offering; I mean a Living prayer, fasting and worship, anything besides this is deemed void- You must first be alive and God Almighty shall be alive in your life- Does this on its own not provoke you to change your mentality towards the things of God?
Before you offer anything on the altar; presenting a gift, venturing into a fast or even singing a hymn, take your time to look back and assess the condition of your heart because the heart is the TRUE ALTAR. First thing first; reconcile with your neighbor and so put your heart in a good position with God. If you take time to ponder on the position of your heart before prayer, soon enough everyone whom you need to be reconciled with will be brought to remembrance and upon setting things right, you can then give an acceptable offering. The Scripture does state, “If my people who are called by name shall humble themselves and seek my face, I shall heal their land.” Well, God is calling on you today to position yourself properly; to be humble for it takes humility to say, 'I am sorry' but it is pride that will convince one to stand their ground. Once this is done, you can rest assured that the prayers you make thereafter will not hit the ceiling and songs of your mouth will become like fire; a fragrant aroma to God."
