How can we prioritize God's work to avoid consequences like in Haggai 1:11? Setting the Scene Haggai preached to people who had stalled the rebuilding of God’s temple while pouring energy into their own homes. The result: “I have summoned a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, new wine, and oil… and on all the labor of your hands.” (Haggai 1:11). Neglect of God’s work brought material frustration and spiritual dryness. The Warning in Haggai 1:11 • Disrupted provision: fields, vineyards, flocks, and livelihoods all suffered. • Divine initiative: the drought was not random; God “summoned” it. • Purposeful discipline: God withheld blessing to bring His people back to Himself (cf. Hebrews 12:6). Principles for Prioritizing God’s Work Today • Seek first the kingdom: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Honor God with firstfruits: “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled with plenty.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) • Give God what is His: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… put Me to the test… I will rebuke the devourer for you.” (Malachi 3:10-11) • Carry your cross daily: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) • Stir one another to faithfulness: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Practical Steps for Daily Life 1. Schedule God first – Block out daily time in Scripture and prayer before tasks crowd in. – Commit weekly corporate worship as a non-negotiable appointment. 2. Budget for kingdom giving – Set aside the tithe and offerings at the top of the budget, not from leftovers. – Support gospel work locally and globally. 3. Align work with worship – View every vocation as service to Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). – Refuse unethical shortcuts that compromise witness. 4. Build God’s “temple” in people – Invest in discipling relationships, strengthening the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:16). – Use gifts in the church rather than remaining a spectator. 5. Guard against spiritual drift – Regular self-examination: Does any pursuit eclipse devotion to Christ? – Invite accountability from mature believers. Blessings of Right Priorities • Provision: God supplies needs when we place Him first (Philippians 4:19). • Fruitfulness: Obedience positions us for lasting impact (John 15:5). • Joy and peace: Alignment with God’s purposes settles the heart (Isaiah 26:3). • Eternal reward: “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8) By elevating God’s work above personal agendas, we avert the drought of Haggai 1:11 and step into the fullness God delights to give. |
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