“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” (Haggai 1:5-6 NIV)
Last night we had an opportunity to drop by with picnic dinner for our Sarah. We sat on the porch in the last light of day and discussed the things she’s been learning in ministry training. Overconsumption was one of our topics.
Then this morning I open my Bible to this text. By my summation; Haggai 1:5-6 describes the current American mindset. Always consuming, never satisfied.
If we explore the context of this scripture, we realize that the returning exiles had similar struggles. They were neck-deep in the process of restablishing their independence, but in the frenzy to ‘return to normal’ (pre-exilic conditions), they had neglected God’s house entirely. The Israelites were living high on the hog, in paneled houses with full pantries, but the Temple still laid in ruins. The people had more than enough, but they were unsatisfied because the most basic need in their life was still unmet. Spiritually, they were wasting away.
“So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-32 NIV)
Our appetites will never be satisfied as long as we place them as priority. We only find fullness in God, and then all these things are added to us. This is why we put Him first. Pagans chase after impermanent things. Believers chase after the living God, and in Him find everything else they need. Only one of these ways of existence will lead to fulfillment. Flip the script, my friend: start with God and see how He meets your needs.
“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV)
Lord, we acknowledge our tendency to chase after lesser, unsatisfying things. Please forgive us and our overconsumption. Help us to put You first. May we not neglect Your house or Your word. All we need is found in You, may we not forget it! Please absolve us for all the times we have looked elsewhere and set our sights on You moving forward. Amen.