Think About It - January 2

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says:

"Give careful thought to your ways"

Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18

According to yesterday's post, I am quite familiar with Haggai... or am I? While rereading the scripture this morning, I began a verse earlier and realized that God repeated Himself within the span of 2 verses.  He does it again in the next chapter.  What does is mean when He repeats Himself?

As a parent, I've often repeated instructions to my children. I even learned to get on their level, maintain eye contact and have them repeat the instructions back to me in their own words.  I found that asking for the behavior I wanted was better than asking them NOT to do a certain thing, because (according to child rearing experts) they focus on the last thing you say, whether it's positive or negative.  For example, I'd say "be safe" instead of "don't get hurt".  

So how is it, that I missed this crucial message in Haggai?  The book has only two chapters and the message is given FOUR times.  I suppose that's why scripture says "The word of God is living and active" Heb 4:12. We can read something new each time we approach Him through His word with the intent of learning, growing, abiding.

Haggai was the first prophet to serve God's people upon their return to Jerusalem from Babylon.  After 70 years in captivity they were excited to return and begin rebuilding the Temple. But after a short while, life happened.  Priorities shifted and the rebuilding of the Temple ('My house' Hag 1:9) took a back seat to everyday cares and worries.  Does that sound familiar?  

While we are not literally rebuilding THE temple... we are building up or wearing down our relationship with Him each day based on the decisions we make. Will I spend time in His word today, in order to know Him better?  Will I make decisions based on my knowledge of right and wrong according to His precepts? Will I begin my day with thankful prayer or will I forget to acknowledge Him?  Will I honor Him in thought, word and deed?  Will my reading, viewing and browsing choices lead me closer to Him today... or separate me from His presence?

I guess the question is this: Are you a (generic) Christian or are you a Christ-follower? Greg Laurie has said "All Christ-followers are Christians, but not all Christians are Christ-followers".  Once again, it is decision time. Which are you?  This is not a guilt trip... it's a question for you to ask yourself.  If you think "I'm okay with God", but you are addicted to something, are in the habit of viewing things which break His heart in the name of entertainment or treat the outside world better than you treat your family... 

You must decide for yourself - "is this the attitude or behavior of one who follows the example and teachings of Christ?"  If not, you have a decision to make.... and only YOU can make it.  I have to make the decision several times a day, and often I fail. But each day, each moment, each breath is a chance to start again.

Now, I may be repeating myself... but then, I'd be in good company.

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says:

"Give careful thought to your ways"

Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18