Scripture: When you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it so that it may be accepted. Leviticus 22:29
Observation: In the instructions to the priests about sacrifices is this ... to offer the animals and sacrifices "so that it may be accepted." If there is a special manner in which it will be accepted, it stands to reason there is a manner in which the sacrifice would be unacceptable. Neither is covered in these verses (though procedures are provided earlier).
Therefore, it seems this manner of offering is not a procedure, but an attitude. Especially with a sacrifice of thanksgiving, it would makes sense it would be offered with a right heart, thankful to God, and humble in light of his blessing. In other words, after spending some time discussing procedures for sacrifice, and the proper quality of the animals, God reminds everyone that their heart attitude matters.
Application: Deeds and intentions always go hand-in-hand in our interactions with God. I pray often for the proper actions. I don't pray enough for the proper attitude. When I sing worship, my heart gets into the right place. However, when I seek to be calm at work, I often fail because my heart does not get the message. As a result, I fail to comply with my own notes to myself ... I am not typically understanding, supportive, caring, or appreciative.
Unacceptable sacrifice is a waste. When making the sacrifice, the priests were reminded to do so in an acceptable manner. Therefore, when seeking to serve God, it is a waste if I fail to also bring a humble heart to the table - the alter - before the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, please calm my heart this week. I seek to be humble before you, slow to judge, quick to care. I know it won't be fair, and that's okay. You never promised fair, you promise strength and love. Those are so much greater. May I value others, and present to you a proper heart. Amen.
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