In what areas of life should we "consider your ways" more carefully? Setting the Stage: A Call to Self-Examination “Haggai 1:5 – ‘Now therefore, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider your ways!”’ Haggai 1:7 repeats the appeal. The phrase calls for thoughtful, humble scrutiny of every sphere of life, bringing each one into alignment with God’s revealed will. Our Priorities and Pursuits • Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Ask whether ambitions, hobbies, and daily schedules revolve around Christ or crowd Him to the margins. • Indicators of misplaced priorities: chronic hurry, neglect of worship, and satisfaction found more in achievement than in obedience. Financial Stewardship and Giving • Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. • Are resources submitted to the Lord before personal desires are met? • Regular, joyful giving to gospel work reveals a heart resting in God’s provision. Time Management and Sabbath Rest • Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you walk… making the most of your time.” • Build rhythms that include corporate worship and intentional rest (Exodus 20:8-11). • Over-commitment often signals self-reliance rather than trust. Family and Relational Commitments • Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 5:25; 6:4. • Evaluate whether discipleship begins at home. • Guard marriages and cultivate godly friendships that sharpen faith (Proverbs 27:17). Spiritual Disciplines and Worship • Daily Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship, and the Lord’s Table shape affections toward God. • Sporadic engagement breeds spiritual drought; consistent practice nurtures fruitfulness. Work Ethic and Vocational Faithfulness • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • Integrity, diligence, and excellence proclaim Christ in the marketplace. • Beware of using work to build personal kingdoms rather than serving God’s purposes. Purity of Heart and Mind • Psalm 101:3; Philippians 4:8. • Media intake, private thoughts, and strongholds of sin require vigilant filtering through God’s holiness. • Pursue repentance and accountability when compromise surfaces. Use of Words and Influence • Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29. • Speech should edify, not tear down. • Online interactions and casual conversations alike are platforms for grace or harm. Witness and Service to the World • Matthew 5:14-16; James 1:27. • Generosity toward the needy and courage in evangelism display the gospel’s transforming power. • Evaluate if comfort has eclipsed compassion for the lost and vulnerable. Moving Forward with Obedience Haggai’s generation rebuilt God’s house once they examined themselves. Likewise, purposeful, Spirit-enabled course corrections bring blessing: “Give careful thought to your ways” (Haggai 1:7). Align each area with Scripture and watch God’s glory flourish in every facet of life. |
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