DON’T WAIT TO PUT GOD FIRST 

When life gets busy, it can be difficult to know how to prioritize what truly matters. We may work hard to meet our responsibilities while putting off the things that deserve our time and attention most. But what we make time for reveals what we value. Through the book of Haggai, God challenges us to examine our priorities, put Him first, and faithfully follow His will.   

Reflect: Consider Your Ways 

Our choices reveal what we value. When the people of Jerusalem returned from exile, they intended to rebuild God’s temple. But sixteen years later, it remained unfinished while they focused on building their own homes. God told them to consider their ways (Haggai 1:7). In the same way, we need to examine how we spend our time, energy, and resources. God doesn’t say it’s wrong to care for our work, family, or enjoy His blessings, but we must not let these things take His place. Does God truly come first, or does He receive only whatever time and attention we have left?   

Reorder: Put God First, Stop Postponing   

Recognizing what needs to change is only the beginning. When God saw that His people had neglected His temple, He called them to bring wood and begin rebuilding (Haggai 1:8). In the same way, when we recognize that something has taken priority over God, we must act rather than wait for a more convenient time. This may mean letting go of habits, ambitions, or distractions that keep us from following Him wholeheartedly. We cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed, but we can choose to obey God today.   

Rebuild: With God, For God   

Rebuilding our priorities and habits takes time. We may become discouraged when obedience does not bring the results we hoped for or when we compare our progress with others. But God told His people to take courage because He was with them. When they obeyed, He promised, “From this day on I will bless you.” In the same way, we can trust God’s presence and faithfulness even when change takes time. We are called to remain faithful and leave the outcome in His hands.   

God Keeps His Promises   

The people eventually finished rebuilding the temple. Despite their past mistakes and hesitation, they chose to move forward in obedience. Their story reminds us that following Jesus does not guarantee instant success or wealth, but we can trust His promises and perfect timing. Our past mistakes and delayed obedience do not have to define our future, because God can redirect our lives by His grace. Putting God first begins with trusting Jesus, who died for our sins and offers us eternal life. We do not need to wait until tomorrow to respond to Him. Let us reflect honestly, reorder our priorities, and rebuild with God and for God, choosing to remain faithful today.