NEGLECTING GOD'S HOUSE

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." - Haggai 1:7

The local church used to be a vital part of the community.  Residents of the community would regularly attend and support the church.  The local church was a spiritual and social gathering place.  The local church was a vital part of the community's identity and functionality. 

Things have certainly changed.  These days, the local church is considered an option for the super-spiritual or "Jesus Freaks."  Most feel that they can be religious without any formal church attendance or membership.  For some, a church is just a status symbol of religious freedom.  For many, it is just a place to go only for weddings and funerals. 

God's house is being neglected these days.  The same was true for Haggai's day.  Although the residents of Israel were living comfortably in their nice homes, they were neglecting the rebuilding of God's house.  As a result, God led Haggai to challenge the people with these words, "Consider your ways."

In Haggai 1:6, the Bible says,  "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."  Their neglect of God's house was the reason that their efforts had been in vain.  The people were experiencing unnecessary trials because of their disobedience.  When the people neglect God's house, they are the ones who lose.

It is not the changes in the White House that will turn this nation around.  Instead, if people would repent and get back in God's house, we'd see positive change.  Because of Haggai's prophetic message, the people of Israel were convicted.  They repented and began working on restoring God's house.

I believe that the people of America have neglected God's house.  Have you?  When was the last time you attended church? 

We tend to blame our nation's economic and international challenges on a politician or a political party.  Perhaps we are looking at the result of God's judgment rather than the cause of His judgment.  Judgment must begin at the House of God.  Perhaps the real culprits in America are "good, religious folk." 

Since we are in a brand new year, let me challenge you to consider your ways.  Rather than judge the faults of church members, perhaps you should review your own stewardship.  If you've dropped out of church, get back in church where you belong.  If you are inconsistent in your church attendance, go every Sunday, beginning with this Sunday.  If you go to church regularly, do you get involved?  Are you serving?  Are you giving of your time, talents and treasures to see God's work advance through the ministry of your local church, or do you only warm the church pew on Sunday?

Maybe you're not involved in a local church because you feel out of place when you attend church.  The issue may not be with the church.  Perhaps you feel out of place because you aren't right with God.  If that is the case, my word for you is, "Consider your ways."  While I encourage you to begin attending church, I challenge you to go much deeper than that.  Attending church will not get you into heaven.  Involvement in a local church will not make you a Christian.  Instead, you need to repent of your sins right now.  Turn from your sins and place your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

The neglect of God's house is a reflection of our neglect of God Himself.  God deserves better.

Consider your ways.