Consider your ways

Bible Reading: Haggai 1: 3-11

Haggai was the first among the three post-exilic Minor Prophets who spoke to those who returned from the 70-year exile.  Cyrus, King of Persia, allowed the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 BC.  Two years later, in 536 B.C., construction on the Temple began, led by Zerubbabel.  The work stopped after two years (534 B.C.).  After fourteen years of neglect, work on the Temple resumed in 520 B.C. and was finished four years later in 516 B.C.  (Ezra 6:15).

By the time Haggai gave this prophecy,  the exiles had been back in Jerusalem for eighteen years, but the work of rebuilding the Temple had been stopped for fourteen years!

People had many excuses!  They were not against building the Temple but said it was not the time to build it.  But they built paneled houses for themselves!  While they lived in such personal comfort and luxury, the Temple was in ruins.  They were content to let the cause of the Lord suffer at the expense of their comfort. 

The problem was wrong priorities! 

They should have felt no rest until God's work was as prosperous as their personal lives.  They should have been willing to sacrifice their time and money for God's work just as they would for personal comfort and luxury.

The phrase 'Consider your ways' calls for deep self-reflection.  We are called to examine our priorities today.  It challenges us to examine our lives to see if we have neglected our relationship with God or misaligned our priorities. 

If your life continues to feel empty, 'Consider your ways'.  If you are working hard in this world and still feel empty, 'Consider your ways'.  If you are earning well but never have enough, 'Consider your ways'.  Just as the Israelites were called to put God's work first, we are also called to prioritize our relationship with God, obey His commands, and value His kingdom above our personal desires and comforts.

My friend, let us analyze how our time, energy, and resources are spent today and see if they align with God's priorities.  Are we compromising our values and neglecting our spiritual lives?  God gives us one more chance to repent, seek God's forgiveness, and actively pursue change.  May the Lord be our helper.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me prioritize Your work and live a God-honoring life always.  Amen.