Rebuilding Our Spiritual Temple: A Call to Prioritize God

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught up in a cycle of working hard, trying to make ends meet, and yet feeling unfulfilled. Perhaps you've experienced that nagging sensation that something is missing, despite your best efforts. Today, let's explore a powerful message from the book of Haggai that speaks directly to this modern dilemma.
The ancient Israelites faced a similar struggle after returning from exile. They had grand plans to rebuild the temple, a symbol of their relationship with God. However, they quickly became distracted by their own pursuits and left God's house in ruins while focusing on their personal dwellings. Sound familiar?
God's response through the prophet Haggai is both a rebuke and an invitation:
"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways."
These words cut to the heart of our priorities. How often do we put our own comfort and desires ahead of our spiritual growth and service to God? The message is clear: it's time to consider our ways.
But this isn't just about feeling guilty. It's an opportunity for transformation. God doesn't condemn His people; instead, He calls them to action. He wants them – and us – to realign our priorities and put Him first.
The consequences of misaligned priorities are stark:
"You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes."
Does this resonate with you? Perhaps you've experienced working hard but never feeling like you're getting ahead. Or maybe you've achieved goals but still feel empty inside. This passage reveals a profound truth: when we neglect our spiritual lives, even our material pursuits become unfulfilling.
The good news is that God offers a solution:
"Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord."
This isn't just about a physical building. It's a call to rebuild our spiritual lives, to make space for God in our hearts and daily routines. When we do this, God promises to take pleasure in our efforts and be glorified through our lives.
But here's the challenging part: it requires action on our part. We can't just sit back and expect God to do all the work. Faith and works must go hand in hand. As James 2:17 reminds us, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
So, what does this look like in practice? It means:

1. Examining our priorities: Where do we spend most of our time, energy, and resources? Are we giving God our best, or our leftovers?
2. Making space for worship: This isn't just about attending church (though that's important). It's about cultivating a daily habit of connecting with God through prayer, scripture reading, and praise.
3. Serving others: When we use our gifts to serve in God's house and community, we participate in building something greater than ourselves.
4. Trusting God's provision: As we align our lives with God's purposes, we can trust that He will meet our needs. Matthew 6:33 promises, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

It's important to note that this message isn't about earning God's love or favor. We are saved by grace, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, grace empowers us to live holy and righteous lives, not as a condition of salvation, but as a response to God's love.
The story of Peter walking on water provides a beautiful illustration of this principle. As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he could do the impossible. It was only when he became distracted by the winds and waves that he began to sink. Even then, Jesus was there to reach out and save him.
In the same way, when we keep our focus on God and His purposes, we find strength to overcome life's challenges. And even when we falter, God's grace is there to catch us and set us back on the right path.
As we reflect on this message, let's ask ourselves some hard questions:

• Are we truly giving our all to glorify God, or are we holding back?
• Have we allowed other priorities to overshadow our relationship with God?
• Are we actively participating in building God's kingdom, or are we spectators?

The invitation is clear: God is calling us to rebuild our spiritual lives, to recommit ourselves to His purposes. This isn't about perfection, but about progress. It's about turning our eyes upon Jesus and allowing His light to transform our perspective on everything else.
Remember, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, it's never too late to start rebuilding. God's arms are always open, ready to welcome us back and empower us for the work He has called us to do.
As we close, let this powerful hymn verse resonate in your heart:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."
May we all have the courage to examine our ways, realign our priorities, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from putting God first in every aspect of our lives.