God's House or...

READ:  Haggai 1: 4-12

Have you ever been so proud of what you have, that you haven't even given a thought to those who might have nothing?  Have you ever put so much money, time, effort, etc., into your own place, pleasures, etc., that you have neglected to think about God's place, pleasures, etc.?  In the Bible reading, God is telling the people that they cannot neglect His house and His servants; in fact, God is asking them how they can stand to live in their panelled homes while His house is in ruins! 

The people started to build God's house, but then things like money and time became scarce, so they decided to stop building.  However, they didn't stop building their own places; in fact, they made them plush and comfortable places to be.  God says He isn't impressed, that they are not to neglect His place while pouring their all into their own places.  AND... because they do this, God says He will bring hardship on the people, primarily in their fields.  Obviously not a God they should have been ignoring!

So what about you?  Is there something you are concentrating all your efforts on, to the neglect of something you should be concentrating all your efforts on?  Ask yourself that question, and if you come up with something, then ask yourself why you are neglecting what you should be concentrating on.  No, I mean it - ask yourself that.  Out loud.  Ask.  Why?  Because neglecting what God wants us to do, and focusing on what we want to do, is not pleasing to God. 

Whether it is financial support, or your time, or your talents, remember that God is pleased when we give to Him.  His house - the church, us - cannot be neglected, while we do our own thing and concentrate on our own places. 

PRAYER
God, thank you for your Word to us, telling us and reminding us of our obligation to you and your house.  Help us never to focus on the things of us to the detriment of the things of  you!
Amen.