Be an early bird

When is the last time you got up in time to watch a sunrise? And I mean sat down and focused on the beauty of the stillness of the morning without any distractions?

I recently had the opportunity to do just that at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, CO. It was a beautiful morning and will be a very special memory for the days to come.

"Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." 

(Psalms 90:14)

"My flesh faints for You, O God. My soul thirsts for You. Your steadfast love, O God, is better than life."

(Psalms 63:3)

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship."

(Psalms 19:1)

What's in a word?

Have you ever thought about how hard it would be to learn English as a second language? Sure, you could learn the basics: verbs, nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections...(yes, I had to look up the last two because although I use them all the time, I wouldn't recognize them by their "proper" names). But knowing the basics and putting them to use are completely different.

There are so many nuances in the English language. Think with me of the words that look and sound the same but have completely different meanings depending on the tense, context, inflection, etc.

• Break (take a break, break a pencil, brakes on your car)
• Fire (something is burning or you lost your job)
• Tear (tear a piece of paper, tear through your work, tear up at a sad movie)
• Favor (prefer one thing over another, gift from a party, doing a service for someone else)
• Love (context: I love my mom v. I love pizza)
• Like (appreciate something, make a comparison, give a thumbs-up on Facebook)

One particular word is at the forefront of my mind these days: compromise. It's important to understand when it is appropriate to compromise with someone when you are at odds and when it is important that you do not allow yourself to be compromised. The dictionary offers the following definitions for compromise:

• a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims(...)by reciprocal modification of demands
• an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.

In our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, we learn the value of serving and putting the other person before ourselves. That is not to say we shrink back and refuse to communicate our likes, interests, and preferences. In fact, I find it to be more meaningful to compromise than to always get my way. If someone were to always let me choose, I wouldn't appreciate it as much as talking through how we can work it out so that we either both have the opportunity to get what we want at different times or brainstorm to find a solution we both agree on. We should not be surprised at or walk away from relationships where two people do not agree on everything. In fact, this is the perfect time to perfect your compromise muscle (like how I threw in that extra one?).

You cross a dangerous line, though, when you allow your faith, morals, or safety to be compromised. When you are in a relationship where you feel you must always set aside your beliefs, needs, and comfort to make sure the other person is happy (read: not going to walk away, manipulate, or hurt you physically or verbally), you put yourself in a compromising situation. 

While we should not run from disagreements (since no two people will always agree on everything), the Bible advises us to avoid quarrelsome people who look for any reason to start a fight (Proverbs 26:21). You know those people - they like to start arguments for argument's sake. They enjoy "stirring the pot" or throwing in a verbal grenade and watching others get into a heated discussion (aka argument). These are people we should not befriend.

The Bible talks a lot about quarrelsome people. When we familiarize ourselves with the indicators of these types of people, we learn discernment and can make wise decisions regarding who we allow into our inner circle. 

The Bible also talks about what our lives should look like when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Galatians 5:22-23 lays out the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When two people in a friendship or relationship seek to bear these types of fruit, compromise should be relatively easy (and even exciting) as they watch the Holy Spirit work through them.

So be wise in who you associate with. Learn when to compromise and when not to compromise.

There's just something about getting away...

Don't you agree? When you get away from the day-in, day-out, so many things fall into place.

My friend Courtney and I drove down to Galveston a few days ago for an extended weekend. I don't think there was a break in the conversation on the 4 1/2 hour trip! We laughed and caught up on recent weeks. We got serious and discussed challenging professional and personal situations we are facing. It was that good, deep conversation that can be hard to come by in the midst of busy lives.

The weekend consisted of relaxing on the beach, watching dolphins, and eating good food. We read, prayed together, watched some tv, and caught up on sleep. It was a GREAT trip!

It took until this morning, though, to realize one of the primary benefits of getting away. Dr. Michael Easley stepped in for Pastor Chuck this morning and brought a good word from the book of Jonah. In the middle of the message, he referenced a quote that I now find lingering in my thoughts as the weekend winds down. He said, "Comparison is the kiss of death to gratitude."

Take a minute to think this through.

When we spend our time comparing ourselves to others (our work, our lives, our relationships), we miss out on experiencing and expressing gratitude. When we take time to step away from the routine and gain some perspective, I think we would all acknowledge that we fall short in being grateful.

The world constantly tells us we should be unhappy with what we have. Take marketing for example. Commercials and ads are based on the premise that you are missing something and that the product/service being advertised is the answer to fill the void.

I could list a number of other examples like social media, celebrity news, and pop culture in general, but it can be even simpler. We tend to compare ourselves to those around us more often than we do to the out-of-reach celebrity. We do it at work with our peers or superiors. We do it in our relationships with our friends. We even do it with people we pass by but don't know.

And there is the key. We rarely know what is really going on in the lives of the people we compare ourselves to. We may see the one good thing they've got going at that time while the rest of their lives is crumbling around them. This is why we must focus on being grateful for what God has given us and trust Him to provide for our needs. Leave it to John Newton to summarize it perfectly,

"Everything is necessary that He sends; nothing can be necessary that He withholds."

Contrasting couplets

Are you familiar with the book of Proverbs? It consists primarily of contrasts between right and wrong.

"The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm." (Prov 11:17) 

"The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." (Prov 14:1)

I have found it helpful to study Proverbs from two perspectives:

1. As written
2. Grouping positives and negatives

The middle chapters of Proverbs (10-30) consist of these contrasting couplets. While a strong point is made in the closeness of the contrasting thoughts, I also like to group all the positives and negatives separately. These lists then identify godly traits we should strive to exhibit and traits we should strive to avoid.

Take chapter 12 for example:

• Original
  "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
  But he who hates reproof is stupid...
  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
  But a wise man is he who listens to counsel...
  He who speaks truth tells what is right,
  But a false witness, deceit...
  The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
  But the way of the wicked leads them astray...
  A lazy man does not roast his prey,
  But the precious possession of a man is diligence...
  
  
• Positives
  "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge...
  But a wise man is he who listens to counsel...
  He who speaks truth tells what is right...
  The righteous is a guide to his neighbor...
  But the precious possession of a man is diligence...
  
  
• Negatives
  "But he who hates reproof is stupid...
  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes...
  But a false witness, deceit...
  But the way of the wicked leads them astray...
  A lazy man does not roast his prey...

Sometimes, I need to focus on the good things I can do to honor God and love my neighbor. I need reminders - a tangible list of actions to take and traits to cultivate. Other times, it is more convicting and helpful to be reminded of actions to avoid.

I have found this approach to studying Proverbs refreshing, and I hope it opens your heart and challenges you to read the Word with fresh eyes.

A simple act of chivalry

My heart melted today when I observed a simple act of chivalry.

I walked out of Chick-fil-A behind an early 30-something couple who had met up for a quick lunch date. Heading toward her car in the parking lot, they held hands as the guy led the way. Upon arriving at the girl's car, he led her around to the driver's side door and opened it for her to get in. Once inside, she rolled down the window to finish their goodbye. Before she drove off, this chivalrous guy sweetly reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it tenderly.

Rare, stolen moments. Uncommon acts of service. Extraordinary courtesies.

Gentlemen, these are the things that woo a woman's heart. Think of her before yourself. I like how The Message words Ephesians 5:25-28:

"Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage."

Yes, this passage specifically addresses married couples, but I think those of us who are single need to be in the practice of honoring others above ourselves as well. In fact, chivalry is defined much more broadly than actions just between a committed couple.

Chivalry:

1. the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp courage, honour, justice, and a readiness to help the weak
2. courteous behaviour, esp towards women

Chivalry is not limited to how men act towards women. As a woman, there is something so attractive about a man who serves others - men and women. Men who see a need and seek to meet it are the ones we respect and admire.

In the same way, we women should seek to encourage, support, and serve. The Bible reminds us all to not be concerned for our own good but for the good of others (1 Cor 10:24).

I am thankful for this gentle reminder today - a reminder to seek the good of others before my own good.

Is Heaven for real?

Do you think about Heaven?

I wasn't planning to spend a majority of the day with Heaven on my mind, but it sort of worked out that way, and I'm glad it did. Many people today would say, "You're young! Focus on what's in front of you and what you can achieve here and now. There will be plenty of time for you to think about Heaven down the road."

If you know James, you know he would disagree,

"And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

Mom and Dad gave me Randy Alcorn's book Heaven for Easter. I'm a few chapters in and have already learned so much. This is one of those books that really helps you understand what you've read in so many different parts of the Bible because it pulls everything together. One of the great analogies I came across in the book today was written by C.S. Lewis:

"Women sometimes have the problem of trying to judge by artificial light how a dress will look by daylight. That is very like the problem for all of us: to dress our souls not for the electric lights of the present world but for the daylight of the next. The good dress is the one that will fact that light. For that light will last longer" (58).

This also makes me think of shopping for the in-style clothes that are often cheaply made. They keep you in the latest fashion but won't last through the seasons. They will become outdated and require frequent replacing. However, if you invest in a classic, well-made article of clothing, it will outlast all the others.

It is this way with dressing our souls. We should invest our time and energy preparing (dressing) our souls for eternity and not just for today or tomorrow.

After spending some time in Heaven (reading about it, rather), I saw the movie "Heaven Is For Real" with my family. It was a sweet movie that asked some very serious questions:

• Is Heaven real?
• What is Jesus like?
• Will we recognize each other in Heaven?
• Do we really believe what the Bible says about Heaven?

I always enjoy going to movies like this one with my family and friends because it gives us a chance to discuss and affirm each other. There has been a lot of discussion about "religious" movies lately. I think that as long as you know what you believe (and can support it with Scripture), these movies can be an encouragement and spur great conversation.

So, I'll ask it again: Do you think about Heaven? If not, I challenge you to spend some time thinking about it. Life on earth can be really good...but going Home will be beyond words. I can't wait to go Home. Sara Groves says it well in her song "Going Home:"

I’ve been feeling kind of restless
I’ve been feeling out of place
I can hear a distant singing
A song that I can’t write
But it echoes of what I’m always trying to say 

There’s a feeling I can’t capture
It’s always just a prayer away
I want to know the ending
Things hoped for but not seen
But I guess that’s the point of hoping anyway 

Of going home, I’ll meet you at the table
Going home, I’ll meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be home 

I’m confined by my senses
To really know what you are like
You are more than I can fathom
And more than I can guess
And more than I can see with human sight 

But I have felt you with my spirit
I have felt you fill this room
And this is just an invitation
Just a sample of the whole
And I cannot wait to be going home 

Going home, I’ll meet you at the table
Going home, I’ll meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be going, to be going home

Tell them now

I think we can all agree that waiting is not how we like to spend our time.

• Waiting in line at the check-out counter
• Waiting to hear back on that job interview
• Waiting for test results from the doctor

If we had it our way, waiting would be non-existent.

• First in line
• Immediate feedback
• Instant results

Alas, we cannot rush through the waiting in most cases. And often, it is in the waiting that we grow and learn and develop into who God wants us to be.

On the other hand, we CAN avoid one type of waiting. You know, that thing you tell yourself you'll get to one day when it's more convenient or easier or would require less humility. The thing you figure you'll always have the opportunity to do...tomorrow...

What is that thing? Telling someone how much they mean to you. 

I was so blessed this morning to wake up to a message from a former student (before I changed career paths) who is graduating from high school this year. He wrote me the kindest note, thanking me for being a "great teacher" and an "inspiration" to him. What a surprise! Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the time and intentionality it took for a high school senior, in the midst of a busy, busy time of life, to think back on someone who taught him in sixth grade and thank her. It absolutely made my day.

And it made me think...who am I putting off thanking? Who is it that touched my life recently or in the distant past that I keep telling myself I need to thank or tell how much they mean to me? 

And why is it that I put it off? Sometimes, I think I put it off in hopes of finding some super-creative way to send the message. Sometimes, I think that I'm too busy to invest the time. Sometimes, I'm just lazy. None of these are good excuses. Yes, I think a genuine thank-you or message of encouragement should take some time to craft or rehearse. We ALL can make this kind of time.

Let's DO this. Think through those people who have impacted or are impacting you right now. Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them often! I have yet to meet someone who gets tired of being appreciated.

"From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied" (Prov 18:20). 

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Col 3:12). 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23).

Workin' hard or hardly workin'?

This weekend I attended a conference entitled "Your Work: More Than a Paycheck" at Irving Bible Church, hosted by The Table (a ministry connected with Dallas Theological Seminary). Here was the premise of the conference:

"Work is not a necessary evil. It is a holy pursuit. Humanity, being in the image of God, is meant to be creative and manage our world. Yet it often seems that our daily responsibilities either become a god themselves or just serve as a distraction from serving the Lord. Work is not a product of the curse; rather it is a sacred call from God Himself!"

The theme connected with me on a deep level, as I want to believe that my job - the thing I spend so many of my waking hours on - has meaning. Not just meaning in terms of financial provision (though that is a great blessing), but that there is true meaning in my work.

One of the first subjects addressed was the theology of work. The first speaker pointed out that work is not a result of the Fall. Many of us (myself included) zoom right past Genesis 2 when we're frustrated at work and hone in on the result of the Fall:

"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life....By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return" (Gen 3:17b-19).

However, we've missed the opening act! God modeled meaningful, quality, excellent work through the act of creation. Then, He presented Adam with his first task: to name the animals. Genesis 2:19 says that God formed the earth-bound animals, as well as the birds of the air (and I believe we can assume Adam watched in amazement). Then, check out the second half of the verse:

"He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name."

We also have the blessing of God spoken in Genesis 1:28, where He ordains that man should "fill the earth and subdue it," ruling over the animals. The Bible specifically words this as a blessing from God, so we should view the opportunity to work as a blessing.

There are countless references to work in the Bible. The historical references, which describe role models of good work ethics, are outlined in passages like the Genesis references, Ruth 2, Esther 10:3, and both books of Chronicles, just to name a few. Then, the wisdom literature spells out the results of work (Prov 12:11, 14:23, Psalm 127:1-2, Ecc 11:6). Finally, the New Testament provides points of application for how we can approach work with integrity:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24). 

"...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody" (1 Thess 4:11-12).

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing..." (Phil 2:14-15).

In a world that puts profitability and success at the forefront of our thoughts (and performance reviews), it is both encouraging and challenging to see the Bible list strong character traits as primary goals.

Even more challenging to consider is the fact that we may not see the results of these good goals in our lifetime...which in no way diminishes their value but heightens the importance of an eternal perspective.
The question we must consider as we decide how to pursue our work (ethically and with integrity OR with ease and short-term gain in mind) is this:

Are we willing to do the honorable/difficult/right/principled work for an outcome we may never see? To toil now, during our lifetime, so that others can reap the blessings (rewards)?

To do so requires us to set aside instant gratification and personal gain, and rather turn our sights to the eternal. It demands a humility that enables us to set ourselves and our pride aside and recognize that we may not receive credit for our work now, but know that it honors God. He ordained it, anyway, and it is His praise we seek.

Think about all the people who did not see the fruits of their labors (Hall of Faith). It's hard for me to really grasp the fact that these people worked so hard and with integrity for results they never witnessed because I get the benefit of reading about them. I read their story, and I read the outcome that occurred decades or centuries down the road, but in this life, they never knew.

What about my life? Can I accept the perspective that I may not see the result of my work before I die? It's hard to think that way because I want to know that my work has purpose.

It all comes back to trusting the Lord. Plus, we are all continually learning how waiting on the Lord produces good fruit in us. This passage encourages my heart:

"...For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:3-8).

So, is work more than just earning a paycheck? I hope so. I hope that my interactions with people mean something. I hope that my goal of working with excellence, whether on a menial task or a report that goes to the CEO, means something.

But if I work for the Lord and not for man, then I know it does.

You can't do it all

You can't do it all. Not by yourself. Not a chance.

We've all tried it, though, haven't we? Especially those of us who are recovering Type A's. We're the ones who take point on the projects, not trusting that they will get finished if we don't steer the ship. Surely we've all had times when we take on the full load because we want to know that a job is done 100% correct. It seems necessary to be a part of every detail to ensure all the bases are covered.

In the midst of that project, another one crops up, and you think you can eek it out, too. Slowly but surely, you work longer hours, take fewer breaks. PTO - what's that? 12:00 appears twice in your waking hours. You forget (or don't make time) to eat. You cancel plans with the people you care about, making excuses for your "crazy-busy schedule."

Me? Guilty as charged.

And thankfully, I'm not alone. Apparently Moses was a bit of a work hoarder, too. In Exodus 18, we see that he's taken the reigns as judge over Israel. Completely qualified and with only good intentions, Moses serves the people "from morning till evening" (v. 13). All day, he listened to cases and made decisions. He heard testimonies and in his wisdom had to decide the outcome. The people came to him to seek God's will when they had a dispute. What a responsibility!

Finally, Moses' father-in-law stepped in and called his attention to the impact this schedule was having on his health and well-being. Join me in observing Jethro's wisdom:

"When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, 'What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge while these people stand around you from morning till evening?...What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to Him...But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials...Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (v. 14-23).

A few points that stick out to me:

• It took an "outsider" who cared about Moses to see the stress he was experiencing and confront him about it (so often, we simply cannot see it ourselves, or if we do, we won't acknowledge it until confronted by someone we love)
• Jethro approached Moses with an admonition but also with a solution (he didn't just scold Moses for taking on too much)
• Jethro gently reproached Moses, but he left the response in God's hands (no matter how much they care, no one can make a person respond to reproach - only God can change a heart)
• The result of Moses delegating authority would be less strain for him and satisfaction for the people (it is not only for our benefit that we learn to share the load - it will benefit others, as well)

Recently, God blessed me richly with an opportunity at work to delegate a number of tasks to a new employee in a pseudo-manager work relationship. With a tendency to hold things closely, it took me awhile to feel comfortable delegating these tasks so that I could a) experience relief, and b) have the opportunity to pursue more strategic responsibilities. 

The key here is that I had to trust this person. I don't believe God advocates for us to relinquish important things to untrustworthy people. In verse 21, Jethro commands Moses to "(...)select capable men from all the people - men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain(...)" After a period of vetting, I realized that this person could be trusted to take on the work and to ask the right questions if he was unsure of the answer.

God has granted me significant relief through the blessing of this new employee, not only at work, but in my personal life. He continues to teach me to slow down and enjoy time with Him and the people I love. I can't do it all. I don't WANT to do it all. We cannot succeed in isolation - we have to learn to depend on each other. 

May I continue to learn how to share the load - both in releasing my hold on certain things and in taking on new things to help others.

That's not my job

Now wait just a minute. Don't worry - I'm not trying to take the easy way out of something, and I'm not trying to create more work for you. I'm not falling ill to the entitlement syndrome that is plaguing our society and telling you that I'm above hard work.

No, this is a rather different sort of post.

Today, I saw the movie "Philomena," and my mind has been occupied all day with one of its core themes: forgiveness. I won't spoil the film for those of you who plan to see it, so I'll be vague. Throughout the film, there is a particular injustice that causes your defenses to rise, and you just want to see a certain person (or group of people) face the music. You want to see her/them called to account and forced to face the pain they caused so many people. So, when the opportune moment arises, it almost deflated me when instead of wrath, forgiveness was offered.

After recovering from my shock, I was ashamed. I started thinking through what exactly I wanted to happen in that moment of reckoning. I think the most important thing to me was that this person/these people learned a lesson. I wanted to ensure that there was no doubt of the pain that was caused, and I wanted to see remorse.

But we don't always get what we want. And when we have seen someone experience the consequences for sin, how many of us have felt sick that what we hoped for actually happened? Paul reminds us that God promises He is in control, and we should not take revenge:

"Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God..." (Romans 12:19)

Forgiveness is not forgetting what happened but releasing it and not allowing the cold hand of Bitterness to strangle the life out of your heart. It is not our job to teach others a lesson - it is our job to forgive.

I attended the Prestonwood Women's Retreat a few weekends ago, and was blessed to sit under the teaching of Jennifer Rothschild and Stormie Omartian. I took home so many gems of truth from the retreat that you can be sure you'll hear more about it in the months to come. One of the key take-aways from Stormie, a woman who experienced tremendous trials as a child that grew in her a deep bitterness towards her mother, was about forgiveness. Simple and true, she said,

"Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right - it makes you free."

In the wise words of Philomena, she agreed. Below is the brief dialogue between her and a reporter who had become her companion on a journey to find out the truth about the past. When the truth was discovered, he did not like it...

Philomena: I forgive you (Catholic nun) because I don't want to remain angry.

<Martin (i.e. reporter) exclaims in shock and disagreement>

Philomena: But I don't wanna hate people. I don't wanna be like you (Martin). Look at you.
Martin: I'm angry.
Philomena: Must be exhausting.

Anger and bitterness can turn us into different people, and it is EXHAUSTING. Forgiveness frees us. Once we let go of the selfish desire to be proven right or justified, we are free to heal and get stronger. It's not easy...it never is. But it's what God did for us, and what we ought to do for others:

"Our Father in heaven...forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" (Matt 6:19-13).

"Husbands...treat her (your wife) as you should so your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).

"So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the alter in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the alter. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God" (Matthew 5:23-24).