I want to expand "burning everything on the altar"a bit. This is a process. It is achieved by urgently seeking God one on One, in our quiet place, whether it's in our homes, in the backyard, anywhere we can meet with God alone. It is a time of very deep review of everything we hold dear, allowing the Holy Spirit to take his holy light and to begin to shine on all that keeps us from a very high knowledge and committment to God.
As we begin to see these revelations (it could be our possessions, family members, attitudes, even our churches), He gives us an overcoming spirit to release our control to God.
The end result is that our attitude about all that we know is changed forever. And as all of these layers begin to peel away, we stand before Him naked. He then fills us with a new purpose, a new understanding and an increased desire to lay down ALL for Him. This is just the first step and again it is a process that can be painful at times. John the Baptist said it, we must decrease that He may increase in us.
Christ in us the hope of glory. Col 1:27.
God Bless you brother as you seek after the Lord. We're never too old, hey, in the light of eternity, we are spring chickens.
Thanks for the thoughts.
I'm very much into contemplation. I'm working my way through the beginning stages of the Dominican Third Order.