The book of Haggai starts out in chapter one with a message to the Jews from God through the prophet Haggai for them to, “Consider your ways.” This phrase is repeated twice in chapter one in verses 5 and 7. Verse 6 appears to show all the many responsibilities of life that the people were focused on. Yet in all their many responsibilities of life that they worked hard for, they still did not have enough. Although one thing is clear in these verses, they had forgotten God. They were supposed to be focused on rebuilding the temple but instead they were focused on self. Therefore in verse 7, the writer repeats, “consider your ways.” I imagine the writer had in mind for the people to see where their focus was and where it needed to be. Too often in our own lives we get so caught up in focusing on taking care of ourselves that we forget that God is there to guide us in all things.

Is it possible that we get so caught up with our own lives that we have become what I call a “convenient christian”; someone who decides to focus on God when it is convenient for them. One thing that continues to resonate with me in this passage is to “Consider your ways.” Therefore are we considering our ways to see if they are in line with God’s ways, or are we too focused on our own responsibilities of life that we forget to acknowledge God in everything?

Proverbs 3:6(NKJV)

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

1st Thessalonians 5:15-18(NKJV)

15See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.