“Consider”

Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" (Haggai 1.7)

Have you considered your ways?

Israel had returned to Jerusalem, and the temple laid in ruin (Haggai 1.4). Opposition to the temple’s reconstruction had left the people discouraged (Ezra 4.1-5). Due to the trouble, the people concluded that it was not the best time to rebuild God’s house. Their priorities quickly became misplaced. Israel was living in their homes without concern about the temple. Worshiping God was not priority. As they turned from God’s directives for their lives, they began to suffer economic troubles (Haggai 1.2-6). The prophet Haggai warned Israel to consider their ways. Opposition was not their biggest problem. They were not seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6.33). They needed to think about what they were doing, turn back to God, and build His temple. They needed to consider their ways.

Doing the Lord’s work is not always easy. Jesus even said that in this world we would have trouble (John 16.33). Opposition can discourage us. Priorities can become misplaced. The fact is many things are always vying for our time. Even good things like family, home, hobbies, and leisure can lead us astray. We must consider our ways and make God a priority. We must be intentional in following God because following God does not just happen. When we seek first the kingdom, we prioritize time to worship and serve God. When we seek first the kingdom, we love God first and people second (Matthew 22.37-40). We do not ignore sin but speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4.15). We need to think about what we are doing, turn to God, and build His kingdom. We need to consider our ways.

Do you seek first the kingdom? God should not be an afterthought in your day. Have your priorities become misplaced? Do not wait until tomorrow to turn to God because tomorrow may never come (Proverbs 27.1; James 4.13-15). Have you considered your ways? The things you do reveal much about what you believe about God (1 Timothy 6.12). God is merciful and always ready to welcome you home (Luke 15.11–32).

God, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to measure my life by Your Word and Spirit every day. Empower me to adjust to Your will and seek first Your kingdom. When my life becomes too busy and distracting, call me to stand still and know that You are God (Psalm 46.10). Thank You for forgiveness through Your Son and the privilege to approach You in the name of Jesus (Hebrews 4.14-16). Amen.

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Consider | Haggai 1.7
Weekly Bible Devotional

Written and Produced by:
Reverend David Lyda
Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church
Edgefield, SC

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.