Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways."
Haggai 1:5 (NIV)
When things are going well for us and we don’t have to worry about our food, clothing, and home, we tend to feel so comfortable that we are completely unaware of what is going on around us. We even ignore the problems of those with whom we worship the Lord Sunday after Sunday. We would rather find other needs to meet than to turn to the needs of our congregation and give them our help.
In the time of the prophet Haggai, the people of Israel did not have to worry about certain problems for a while. They had time to think about rebuilding the temple of God that had been destroyed, but they chose to enjoy their lives and demand more from God. What they already had was no longer enough for them. God decided to send the prophet to them to command them to rebuild the temple.
When God asks them to consider their way, it is not because they have turned to other gods, but rather because they have abandoned what should be their priority, the temple of God and the real needs of His people. It is important to be interested in the needs of your congregation, because to God, they are as important as your personal relationship with Him. Everything that concerns the temple of God is important to Him and it is up to you to take care of it.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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