All in Altar
What does our Bible look like? Is it a simple black book with words, or ornate with pictures and such? How too is the cross on which we envision Jesus; is it a simple wooden cross, or ornately designed and built; perhaps even cast in gold? How about our faith? Is it simply in the word of God, or have we massaged it, and improved upon it with additions meant to make it easier on us? In short, have we made God our own, rather than simply being His?
We as Christians talk readily about our bodies being a living temple, and we quote certain scripture to make that point, but if our body is our temple then where is our altar, and what is our sacrifice? The temple is where we meet God, the altar is what makes our sacrifice Holy, and the sacrifice itself must be pleasing and received by God. Are you a temple? Do you contain an altar, and what is your sacrifice?
How pure is your life? Are you cleansed and holy, or still allowing something to tarnish your relationship with God? Is His will paramount in your life, or are you still the center of your universe? Where are you in the process of holiness? Perhaps you think you are basically doing well and that your faith is flourishing, and yet things keep popping up in your day to day life that cause you to stumble. So you repent, ask forgiveness, and begin again. You are not alone in your labor.