Consider your ways!!

At our church we have been hearing a series of messages on the remnant of Israel in the old testament that had been exiled out of Israel and returned to rebuild the temple. The prophet Haggai spoke to these particular people regarding the way they had been brought back to Jerusalem and after much opposition and apathy they stopped rebuilding the temple...and it remained in shambles for 12 years after the remnant had been brought back. The remnant got discouraged, probably afraid from the opposing nations, and complacent in their own personal, individual lives and slowly drifted away from the cause that had brought them back to Jerusalem. Haggai writes,"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate? Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways!'" (Haggai 1:4-5).
So I ask the question...have you considered your ways? We live in a time not too different than the remnant of Israel. We find ourselves in the era where the church has been established and is being built and we await the coming of our Savior (for us, its the second time!). When we look at the remnant and we look at ourselves, we must realize that we have a lot in common. Are our paneled houses more of a priority than the house of God? Do we say in our hearts that we know how important the church is, but there are just other things that need to be done first in our lives? What do our lists look like? What is number one on our priority list? How we spend our time and what we do with it is a clear indication of where our heart is and what is most valuable to us. I believe with all my heart that the remnant in their hearts cherished the idea of rebuilding the temple and desperately wanted to see it accomplished...but the outworking wasn't there. It's not enough just to love the idea of growing closer in our hearts to God, or knowing in our hearts how important it is to spend time with Him. It's not enough to talk about how much we love the church and desire to see the lost evangelized. We must have the outworking. We have to submit and give our all to Him and do what He has called us to do. Here is my prayer for myself and for the Church:
"Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You." Psalm 119:36-38