Consider Your Ways
As a young Christian, and having just surrendered to the gospel ministry, reading the book of Haggai (also known as his four oracles) for the first time gave me some level of consternation. Of course the book is one of history and prophecy for the remnant of Israel, etc., but it’s also a book of universal truth for all generations – Jew and Gentile alike.
The phrase, “consider your ways,” repeated several times throughout the book, brings a certain level of evaluation for any and all believers. It was of particular interest to this young minister’s process of decision making regarding practical aspects of life, i.e., choosing an institution for ministerial training – when, where, and how; and when and if to marry, etc. “Consider your ways,” was a challenge to me to look self introspectively, to prioritize, as well as to evaluate any natural proprietary value system.
In context, Haggai is basically calling on the people of God to look introspectively and circumspectly at their present condition and situation regarding their process of decision making in light of the house (and ways) of God.
Haggai challenged the returning remnant of God who found their precious land and God’s temple in great destruction and disrepair (for further insight see Ezra and Nehemiah). Upon arrival, they were enthusiastic about being back, but complacency and apathy soon set in and the things most concerning God were left for things concerning themselves, i.e., houses, politics, economics and religion, etc.
(Enough for now)
Consider your ways