How can we "consider your ways" in our daily walk with Christ? Setting the Scene Haggai 1:5: “Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Consider carefully your ways.’” When the returned exiles became absorbed with paneling their own houses and forgot the LORD’s house, God’s gentle yet piercing command was, “Look at what you’re doing—measure your life against My priorities.” The Call to Pause and Ponder • “Consider” in the Hebrew carries the idea of “set your heart upon.” • God expects deliberate, thoughtful reflection—not a passing glance. • 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” The call didn’t vanish with the Old Covenant; it is intensified in Christ. Practical Steps to “Consider Your Ways” Daily • Begin the day with Scripture before screens. Let God’s word frame your first thoughts (Psalm 143:8). • Invite the Holy Spirit’s spotlight: “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep a journal. Write where God seems to affirm and where He nudges correction. • Review your calendar and spending. Do these reflect kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:33)? • End each day asking, “Did I walk in the Spirit or the flesh?” (Galatians 5:16-17). Areas We Must Evaluate 1. Time - Ephesians 5:15-16: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk… making the most of your time.” 2. Words - Matthew 12:36 warns of accountability for every careless word. 3. Relationships - Romans 12:18 urges peace “as far as it depends on you.” 4. Stewardship - 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 5. Affections - Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Tools God Provides for Self-Examination • Scripture – the mirror that reveals true condition (James 1:22-25). • The indwelling Spirit – convicting and guiding (John 16:8, 13). • Christian community – “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • The Lord’s Supper – a built-in rhythm of self-inspection (1 Corinthians 11:28). The Fruit of a Life Regularly Examined • Renewed obedience—small course corrections prevent large shipwrecks. • Fresh joy—sin loses its grip when brought into the light (1 John 1:7). • Increased usefulness—clean vessels are ready for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). • Deepened intimacy—nothing hinders fellowship when confessed quickly (1 John 1:9). Encouragement to Start Today Proverbs 4:26: “Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” A clear path begins with a single, honest look at where you stand. Turn down the noise, open the Word, and let the LORD of Hosts speak. |
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