What is spiritual santification?

Read: Psalm 26:6-7

God is not only interested in your offering but also concerned about the state under which it is offered. There are different possibilities and dispositions whenever an offering is given. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says it is possible to be tightfisted or open- handed while giving. Also one can give grudgingly, out of compulsion or cheerfully. In the same vein, one can give with guilt or in innocence. How you give is important to God because it will determine Heaven’s response to that offering – whether it will be cursed or blessed, accepted or rejected.

Do you care about your state of heart before you offer to God? If what the Psalmist said should be taken seriously, then we should not go before the altar with a gift or sacrifice if our hands are stained or if our hearts are impure. As a preacher or Christian leader, do you check your state of heart and hands before going to the pulpit? Some ministers go to the altar to preach after turning the face of their wives into a punching bag.

What message can you preach in strife? Some, after fornicating will mount the podium to preach. What message do you have, o fornicator? First, go and preach to yourself!

In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus taught us that giving any offering or sacrifice when you begrudge your brother, or vice versa can nullify that effort. Has somebody offended you? There is nothing strange about that. But if you hold a grudge against the fellow and still give an offering or tithe, or render any service to God, you stand the risk of losing your reward. That gift or sacrifice will not be acceptable to God although if your pastor does not know, he will collect it from you.

Hence you need to wash your hands and ensure Heaven certifies your innocence before compassing God’s altar. Innocence is required at the altar. As long as you are guilty of a sin, it rubbishes your efforts at the altar. From today, keep yourself pure. Also ensure you have the right disposition whenever you approach the altar.