Temple Renovation

“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” - Haggai 1:4

To do lists are notorious for being never ending. We check off the items on one list, only to make another one right after for the next day. Some may even have their to-do lists organized according to areas in their life!
They are essential to keep us on track for things that need to get done. After all, during our stay here on earth, we want to make sure we lived a productive, controlled life where we could fulfill all or most of the goals we set for ourselves.

We must however, be careful, to place priorities in what really will impact our life. We must be careful to consider our ways.

It is easy to get caught up on all of OUR to-do's that we may begin to put aside HIS to-do's.

During a recent Bible study, after reading the first chapter of Haggai, the youth in my class asked why it was so wrong for the people of Israel to work hard on their home. After all, they were not worshipping other idols, murdering, or stealing, simply sprucing up their homes.

The key was, they were focusing on their homes, while His home was left in ruins. It was collecting dust, with termites or rodents probably inhabiting it as their new found home.
When we picture the place where God's glory was to reside, the image just portrayed is the least image we would ever have.

Paul, reminds us that our body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our body that he refers to here should be considered as our mind, body and soul. The whole nine yards per se.

As we look down at our to-do lists, where does focusing more on His will and on Him, stand as a priority?

Embarrassed, I will be the first to admit that I have had days where cleaning every room in the house, updating my facebook, finishing a painting (that has yet to be put up for sale), has taken priority of rebuilding His temple within me.
While I focus on my kingdom, His kingdom remains unfinished in my life.

God has already set out the part for us in rebuilding His temple that so often gets neglected. He has provided the materials, and tools. The only thing missing, is our labor to lay the foundation and the brick in building a beautiful temple where His glory can reside and through the windows the world will be able to witness the most beautiful presence ever known.

Today, I invite you to reassess our priorities where God is the main focus of our list. Where His presence can navigate our lives to begin checking off His to-do list that He has given us as His children to take on.

PRAYER

Dear Father, how great is your mercy that you should care for us constantly despite of us neglecting your temple. How forgiving and gracious you are to watch over us lovingly when we forget to do your will. Help us Lord to remember, the purpose for which we were created. Help us in each and every day to add to building your temple in which you can forever reside.

AMEN