
Understanding Our Priorities Through Haggai
“I can’t. I’m busy!” My toddler's words echoed in my mind as I watched him play, oblivious to the clutter around him. He had priorities that mirrored my own—his playtime overshadowed the tasks at hand. This truth was a wake-up call, reminding me of the deeper lesson found in Haggai's message: priorities matter.
The Call to Reassess
In times of distraction and disarray, the message from Haggai resounds ever so clearly: “Consider your ways.” The Israelites found themselves caught up in daily routines, building their homes while neglecting the Lord’s temple. Their actions reflect a universal struggle: we often prioritize our immediate needs and comforts over commitments to God. Haggai challenges us to reflect on our choices and actions—are we chasing fleeting successes while ignoring our spiritual responsibilities?
Shifting Our Focus
Within the context of Haggai’s message, there was a stark reminder that chasing personal ambitions can lead to a life filled with busyness but lacking purpose. It’s a cycle many of us understand well. God calls us to “go” and build His house, urging us to shift our focus from our own agendas to His greater purpose.
God Glorified in Our Actions
When we prioritize the things of God, He finds pleasure in our obedience. Haggai reminds us that every aspect of our lives should reflect glory back to God. As we engage with our families, work, or community, we must constantly ask ourselves if these actions honor Him. Engaging in my son’s playtime instead of rushing to complete chores was a small step towards glorifying God through our shared moments.
Taking Action in Faith
The essence of Haggai’s call is to prompt believers to step into God’s work, reassessing how we spend our time and energy. Whether serving in ministry or simply being present in our households, our first priority must always be to God. The Israelites’ act of rebuilding the temple illustrated that true restoration starts with a willingness to prioritize God’s will above all else.
The Long-Term Vision
Haggai’s admonishment was not merely for a physical temple restoration; it beckons believers to commit to lasting impacts in their communities and families. This continual prioritization fosters deeper spiritual connections and a collective honoring of God’s will. Let’s remember that while the earthly results of our labor may not always be visible, the spiritual fruit is what we should ultimately seek.
Let us consider our ways and commit to placing God’s priorities at the forefront of our lives. Whether as parents, church leaders, or coworkers, it is in these small, seemingly mundane moments that we can embody Haggai’s spirit today.
Write A Comment