First Things First!

“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord…” Ps. 24:3-5 [NKJV].

There are things that we do in our lives privately that rob us of God’s glory publicly. It is not when we stand in public that the problem comes. No, the problem came when we robbed God privately. The problem started when we did not regard the Most High at that place of the altar. It is noteworthy that Joab ran to God’s altar but an unknown God to him [Please read Acts 17:22-23 and 1 Kings 2:28–33], and it was of no use to him.

Many times we run to legitimate altars. I say legitimate because there was nothing wrong with the altar that Joab ran to. Was the problem with the altar? Not at all! We run to legitimate altars but legitimate altars cannot take the place of God in your life. For instance, the church is a legitimate altar. Jesus says, where two or three are gathered in my Name, there I am in their midst. So divinity meets with humanity in the church. It is good to go to church but going to church cannot save you. The only thing that can save you is your faith in Christ Jesus and your corresponding life that has aligned with that faith. That is why your salvation extends from your faith in Christ Jesus. So do you need to go to church? Of course, God says we should not forsake the assembly of one another. When we come to God, when you bring your fire and I bring my fire, we have a bigger fire and we will accomplish much more. Praise God for that; but it cannot replace your personal walk with and commitment to God. Another legitimate altar is prayer meetings. Every time and everywhere they call for a prayer meeting, you show up. If they are holding on to the altar, you do the same but you know that your heart is not sorted out with God. You need to sort out your heart first. Listen; do not be like Joab; first things first. Another legitimate altar, especially in this part of the world, is the anointing oil or anointed handkerchief. While there is nothing wrong with these things, you cannot replace God with them. I have seen a believer that was attacked and all he could say when he got out of the attack was, if only I had my anointing oil. I was scandalized; anointing oil? What about your very big God who is always by your side – who never leaves your side? Greater is He that is you is than he that is in the world. Anointing oil? Again I say, I do not have anything against anointing oil but you cannot replace God with anointing oil. You have to seek God for who He is and grow in your relationship with Him, and then your anointing oil will be effective.

Prayer: Father, may my heart never be lifted up to an idol or swear deceitfully. As Your Word declares, may I always appear before You blameless and faultless, in Jesus Name.