“Now, the Lord of hosts says this: ‘Think carefully about your ways'”  (Haggai 1:5, HCSB).

The work of rebuilding the Temple had ceased for about ten years by order of King Artaxerxes of Persia (Ezra 4:24). Near the end of this ten-year cessation period, Haggai the prophet received a message from God to incite the repatriated Jews to complete the rebuilding of the Temple.

Haggai told the people in no uncertain terms that their priorities were out of order and as a result, nothing was working right in their lives. They sowed much but harvested little; they never had enough to eat or drink to satisfy themselves; they couldn’t hold on to the money they earned (vs. 6).

Why did nothing go right in their lives?

Because they needed to update their to-do list. An important task was missing!

They were building their own houses while God’s house laid in ruins (vs. 4).

So God told them to take a closer look at their priorities and take care of His business first: “Think carefully about your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house. Then I will be pleased with it and be glorified, says the Lord” (vs. 7-8).

Nothing will go right with your life until you’ve got your priorities right!

First, build God’s house in your life and then build your own life based on God’s plans and purposes for you.

As you begin to formulate your priorities for the new year, update your to-do list with God’s business at the top of your list.

First God, then everything else!

When building God’s Kingdom is the main priority of your life, you can be assured that He will help you accomplish everything else on your to-do list.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33, HCSB).