The word “priority” comes from the Latin root word “prius,” which means “first” and refers to something that comes before other things in order or importance. In the book of Haggai, God questions the priorities of his people. “Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (Haggai 1:3-5)
Here is a little context that will help us understand God’s concern. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, Ezra the priest led about 50,000 Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore the worship of Yahweh. However, after 15 years of being in the Promised Land the only work that had been accomplished was rebuilding their own homes. They had neglected building God’s house while diligently attending to their own.
If we think about the root meaning of the word “priority” as what we do first, worship clearly wasn’t a priority for those who had returned from captivity. Now, it’s important to note that God wasn’t against them having nice homes or a good life. In fact, He wants His people to enjoy the blessings of His goodness.
The problem was that they had gotten so busy building a good life for themselves and their families that they had lost interest in building God’s house. They were neglecting the worship of God in favor of their own well-being. Their schedules were so full of their own plans, projects and priorities that they just couldn’t seem to find any time to devote to the things of God.
God had become an afterthought and was no longer their priority.
The same thing can happen In our lives and it can be tempting to let our priorities get out of whack. We become busy and preoccupied building our careers, managing our kid’s schooling and activities, creating a fun and comfortable lifestyle, and pursuing our goals and dreams. We know our priorities are out of whack when it seems difficult and burdensome to devote any significant amount of our time or resources to building God’s house. It’s just not a priority.
In Matthew 6:33 Jesus gives us a similar message as Haggai, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” How long has it been since God saved you and brought you out of “captivity?” How much time and effort are you putting into building a life of worship centered around Him?
If you were honest with yourself, what would you say has been your top priority lately?
Here is a little context that will help us understand God’s concern. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, Ezra the priest led about 50,000 Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore the worship of Yahweh. However, after 15 years of being in the Promised Land the only work that had been accomplished was rebuilding their own homes. They had neglected building God’s house while diligently attending to their own.
If we think about the root meaning of the word “priority” as what we do first, worship clearly wasn’t a priority for those who had returned from captivity. Now, it’s important to note that God wasn’t against them having nice homes or a good life. In fact, He wants His people to enjoy the blessings of His goodness.
The problem was that they had gotten so busy building a good life for themselves and their families that they had lost interest in building God’s house. They were neglecting the worship of God in favor of their own well-being. Their schedules were so full of their own plans, projects and priorities that they just couldn’t seem to find any time to devote to the things of God.
God had become an afterthought and was no longer their priority.
The same thing can happen In our lives and it can be tempting to let our priorities get out of whack. We become busy and preoccupied building our careers, managing our kid’s schooling and activities, creating a fun and comfortable lifestyle, and pursuing our goals and dreams. We know our priorities are out of whack when it seems difficult and burdensome to devote any significant amount of our time or resources to building God’s house. It’s just not a priority.
In Matthew 6:33 Jesus gives us a similar message as Haggai, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” How long has it been since God saved you and brought you out of “captivity?” How much time and effort are you putting into building a life of worship centered around Him?
If you were honest with yourself, what would you say has been your top priority lately?
Posted in devo