Leave it ...Fix it...Bring it

Tonight we studied the following scripture:

⁵ Then the Lord said to Moses, ⁶ “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. ⁷ They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. ⁸ But if the person who was wronged is dead, and there are no near relatives to whom restitution can be made, the payment belongs to the Lord and must be given to the priest. Those who are guilty must also bring a ram as a sacrifice, and they will be purified and made right with the Lord. ⁹ All the sacred offerings that the Israelites bring to a priest will belong to him. ¹⁰ Each priest may keep all the sacred donations that he receives.” (Lev 5:5-10, NLT)

The whole time I was thinking about the verse below. How applicable it is:

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matt 5:23-24, NLT)

What I draw from this is that your worship can be somewhat clouded if you have something against a fellow Christian. I am absolutely positive I have been guilty of leaving something out there hanging. God wants us to get things cleared up with fellow believers before we come to him.

When my children are fighting with each other I make them apologize. After their (sometimes half hearted) apology I will then begin to explain to them why we are displeased with their behavior. Then after a quick hug we continue with our day. It's not that I wouldn't listen to them beforehand but I think it is important to teach them responsibility for their actions. I won't always be around to make things better or fix them.

Yes, God is always present but that doesn't mean he automatically makes things better. As we strive to be Christ-like we must begin to come to God with minds cleared and hearts open. The only way we can accomplish this is to swallow our pride and humble ourselves.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11, NIV)