How can we apply Haggai 2:18's call to consider our ways today? Remembering the Setting • Haggai 2:18: “Consider carefully from this day forward— from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid— consider carefully.” • The returned exiles had finally restarted work on God’s house. The Lord urged them to keep evaluating motives, priorities, and faithfulness, not merely celebrate a milestone. Why “Consider” Still Matters • Scripture calls for ongoing self-examination: Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 139:23-24. • God ties reflection to blessing. After the repeated “consider” in Haggai, He promised abundant harvests (Haggai 2:19). • The foundation is Christ today (1 Corinthians 3:11). Every believer’s work is tested, so deliberate, Spirit-led evaluation guards against loss (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Practical Steps to “Consider Our Ways” 1. Schedule quiet, uninterrupted time—treat self-examination as seriously as any appointment. 2. Open God’s Word first; let Scripture, not feelings, set the standard (Hebrews 4:12). 3. Invite the Holy Spirit’s searching light (Psalm 139:23-24) and stay yielded to conviction. 4. Use pen and paper. Writing clarifies patterns, motives, and needed course corrections. 5. Move from insight to action the same day—obedience cements reflection (James 1:22-25). 6. Revisit progress regularly; Haggai’s audience heard the call more than once, underscoring repetition. Key Areas to Place Under the Microscope • Worship priorities—am I honoring God first in time, talents, and resources? (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:9-10) • Relationships—do my words and attitudes reflect Christ? (Ephesians 4:29-32) • Stewardship—does spending align with kingdom values? (1 Timothy 6:17-19) • Hidden life—what dwells in thought life and media intake? (Philippians 4:8) • Service—am I building with gold or straw? (1 Corinthians 3:12) • Hope—do I view challenges through God’s promises? (Romans 8:28-29) Encouraging Outcomes God Offers • Renewed zeal: honest reflection rekindles first-love devotion (Revelation 2:4-5). • Clear direction: the Spirit highlights next steps (Isaiah 30:21). • Fruitful labor: God turns examined obedience into tangible blessing, just as He did for Judah (Haggai 2:19). • Unshaken confidence: a well-considered life stands firm when tested (Matthew 7:24-25). Living Out Haggai 2:18 Today Building God’s house now means aligning every sphere of life with Christ’s lordship. By regularly stepping back, “considering carefully,” and promptly obeying revealed truth, believers move from foundation-laying to a holy, thriving temple that glorifies God and blesses others. |
    |