Haggai calls God’s people to reflect on their lives. At least six times in this short book God says “consider your ways.” He wants us to think about 
how we are living. It’s one thing to ask about what you believe, but it’s another thing to ask if what you say you believe is really acted upon in the way you live. He suggests that be looking at what you do, you can readily discern your major priorities. Haggai points to the fine houses they are living in and contrasts them with the broken down temple, God’s house. He’s saying “think about it. Doesn’t your actions really indicate what you truly believe in?” Jesus once said “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” I think Haggai is making a similar point.
I don’t think any warning could be more relevant for us today in a world that is running rampant with more things to do and activities to be involved in. We all live at such a hectic pace today and we often get so caught up with it that we have no time for God. When this happens we truly lose out on what matters most in life. We spend all our energy climbing the ladder that we find is leaning against the wrong wall.
The people were planting but harvesting little. They ate, but would never have enough. They would earn wages that would be stored in a bag with holes. The end result of all the effort was more dissatisfaction and discontentment. It reminds me of Jesus’ words to the woman at the well in Samaria. “Whoever drinks of this water, will thirst again.” The things of earth will never satisfy.
God doesn’t dwell in buildings today. But being in God’s presence in worship and knowing Him intimately in our daily lives deserves our top priority.
Chuck
“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God… and all these things will be added unto you.” Luke 11:31