Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:5-6
People go out to work to gain great wealth. They will then eat, drink, and clothe themselves to seek joy and contentment, but are rarely to never satisfied with what they have and always want more and more.
Haggai records God talking to the people about not building His house but building their own houses. He now tells them to consider their ways because they sow a lot, but get little while eating, drinking, clothing themselves, and earning wages, but not being filled or gaining anything.
The world tells people that they need more and more. Having something will give them the satisfaction that they desire.
People in the church have often bought into this concept of thinking. Striving to build their own house and life, people are often dissatisfied with life, getting depressed, filled with fear, and always thinking the next thing will help them make it. Their life is filled with holes that cannot be filled.
Rather than seeking the temporary things of this world and building up their own life, believers need to be focused on building God’s house. His house begins with building their own lives up in God. Then, they are to continue building His house–reaching the lost and bringing them into His house to Him.
One is to consider one’s ways in this life. The focus is on what is eternal, not the temporary things of this earth that will not fulfill or satisfy.
As you look at your life, ask yourself if it looks like the life that the Israelites were living that Haggai describes. Does it appear that you are working and striving for life, but are falling short and disappointed?
Take note as to where your priorities and desires lay. Do not allow yourself to be focused on the temporary things in your life but put all of your focus upon what is eternal and of God. Consider your ways and seek the fulfillment and satisfaction that only God can supply. Build His kingdom in your life and in this world and find true fulfillment.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will consider your ways of living; that you will seek God and His ways first; that you will seek to build His house first; and that you will know true contentment in the things of God.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
