Building Spiritual Altars: Embracing the Sacred in Our Daily Lives

In the Old Testament, we often see patriarchs like Abraham building altars as expressions of faith, worship, and dedication to God. These altars were not just physical markers; they were acts of reverence, moments of remembrance, and symbols of God’s covenant. Today, while we might not build physical altars, the concept of creating spiritual altars in our lives remains deeply relevant. Ezekiel 43:22-27 provides insight into the process of dedicating a space to God, a theme that resonates with how we, as temples of the Holy Spirit, can build "altars" in our own lives.

1. The Significance of Altars in the Old Testament

In Genesis, we see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob erecting altars after encounters with God or moments of divine intervention. Each altar was a place of sacrifice, thanksgiving, and communion. For instance, when God established His covenant with Abraham, Abraham responded by building an altar as a testament to God’s faithfulness. This act wasn’t just about a physical structure; it was about setting aside a sacred place to honor God.

Similarly, Ezekiel 43 describes the altar in God’s temple, underscoring the need for consecration, purity, and intentionality. The instructions God gives for cleansing the altar and making it holy remind us of the importance of spiritual preparation in our lives. Just as physical altars were sanctified for God’s presence, we are called to create spiritual spaces within ourselves for God’s presence to dwell.

2. Becoming a Living Altar

In the New Testament, the idea of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) invites us to go beyond building physical altars. We are called to become living altars, continually offering ourselves to God in humility and worship. This transformation invites us to let go of any idols—those distractions, fears, or doubts—that stand in the way of fully dedicating our lives to Him.

To be a living altar means cultivating a lifestyle that reflects God’s holiness and presence. It involves choosing to live in alignment with His Word, setting aside time for prayer, and dedicating ourselves to acts of service and kindness. As we open our hearts to God, He can make us vessels of His love and grace in the world.

3. Building Spiritual Altars in Our Daily Lives

Building a spiritual altar can take many forms in our lives. For some, it might mean setting aside a specific time each day for prayer, reading scripture, or journaling. For others, it could involve creating a physical space in the home as a reminder of God’s presence. However we choose to build these “altars,” the goal is to make room for God in our lives.

Just as Ezekiel speaks of a seven-day period of consecration for the altar, we, too, might need to dedicate intentional time to cultivate a relationship with God. This could be a season of repentance, a time of renewal, or simply moments of quiet reflection. As we seek God, we prepare our hearts to be places where He is honored and adored.

4. Living as Temples and Offering Sacrifices of Praise

In Romans 12:1, Paul encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This sacrificial offering isn’t about physical acts but about surrendering our desires, ambitions, and fears to God. It’s about giving God the highest place in our hearts and aligning our actions with His will.

We can offer sacrifices of praise by choosing joy in hardship, responding to challenges with faith, and giving thanks in all circumstances. Just as the altars of old were places of sacrifice, our lives can become places of worship where every thought, word, and action is a reflection of God’s goodness.

Final Thoughts

While we may not build physical altars today, the call to set aside space in our lives for God remains. Just as Abraham’s altars marked significant moments in his journey, we can create spiritual altars in our own lives as reminders of God’s faithfulness and love. By embracing the idea of ourselves as living temples, we invite God’s presence to transform us, making us vessels of His glory in the world.

Let’s commit to being places where God’s Spirit can dwell, offering our lives as living sacrifices and dedicating ourselves to the One who created us. In doing so, we become both the altar and the offering, allowing God to shape our lives as testimonies of His grace and power.