Housekeeping

“You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house” (Haggai 1:9). 

Lord, I am weary from sloth; I waste potential on regret; and I build houses that come to nothing, neglecting the duties you have given me in yours.

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes” (Haggai 1:4-6). 

I confess, God, that I exhaust myself for the comforts of this life, entertainment, laziness, lack of responsibility, the simplicity of expectation-less solitude. I stack the walls of my self-satisfaction high, but inside I never have enough. There is always another minute to watch, another bite to eat, another game to win. For a house, indeed, my soul desires, and I am foolish enough to think that I could build one of my own instead of seeking yours. Where I long to dwell, whether I have the humility by your Spirit’s grace to acknowledge it or not, is in your house.

Your prophets spoke to the priests of old who served “at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (Hebrews 8:5). If we are your images, made to reflect you, and if your kingdom is to come on earth as it is in heaven, then we ought to love and serve your church as you rule in heaven: with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Cleanse me of self-centeredness, Father. Christ, Savior, give me a heart like yours, one eager for self-sacrifice and humility. Bear in me the fruit that only you can cultivate, Spirit.