Quantity vs. Quality!

There are times when someone will admit they have not given much time (quantity) to something, but will try to validate what they have done by referring to whatever time was put in was “quality time.” Then there is the other side of this when someone might focus on the amount (quantity) of time spent on something to counter the lack of quality. Do such actions always balance out the acceptableness of one’s actions? Not in all situations. One is not always an adequate substitute for the other. Consider one area associated with our spiritual life.

At a time when Israel’s heart was not rightly focused on God, we read…
“When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even THOUGH YOU MAKE MANY PRAYERS, I WILL NOT LISTEN; your hands are full of blood.” ( Isaiah 1:15 ESV)

Though apparently guilty of grievous sin the people of Judah and Jerusalem ( Isaiah 1:1) seemed to think the quantity of their PRAYERS would make things all right. They saw themselves as being on speaking terms with God, however, God was not listening because of the lack of quality in their spiritual lives. Their “many PRAYERS” did not make up for the lack of a right relationship with God and His Will.

Jesus addressed this similarly when He stated…
“And WHEN YOU PRAY, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for THEY THINK THAT THEY WILL BE HEARD FOR THEIR MANY WORDS.” ( Matthew 6:7 ESV)

Our Lord noted those who lifted up “many words” (quantity), but the quality was “empty phrases” and thus unacceptable before God. Does it appear God’s expectation has always been the same? Our PRAYERS may be of few words or many, but what about the quality of our heart in approaching God and seeking His Will? Is it what He desires it to be? Many PRAYERS or many words are no substitute for a heart genuinely seeking to sustain a close walk with God.

May we, like the psalmist David, strive to maintain the attitude of…
“Let the WORDS OF MY MOUTH and the MEDITATION OF MY HEART be ACCEPTABLE IN YOUR SIGHT, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” ( Psalm 19:14 ESV)

Have a great day OFFERING ACCEPTABLE PRAYER TO GOD!
Carl

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