“A MATTER OF PRIORITIES”
(Ezra 3:1 – 5:2; Haggai 1:1 – 2:9)
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the LORD Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you!” – Haggai 1:4-5
Not so long ago, a very popular thinking among certain people of faith was what was called the “prosperity gospel.” It was branded by “positive confession” – never, ever speaking anything negative, never giving voice to sickness or disease, and instead claiming the best of everything for yourself – a “name-it-claim-it” theology. In fact, there are some Christians who still hold to this kind of “hyper-faith.”
Now, don’t get me wrong – I believe that God will indeed supply for all my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), and I know that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)! But there is a big difference between “needs” and “wants”! Likewise, having abundance is not necessarily indicative of the Lord’s approval, and having lack is not evidence of God’s disfavor. A brief examination of the life of the apostles will demonstrate that!
The issue is a matter of priorities! If your priorities are self-centered, then you are walking the wrong pathway! Our priorities must be God-focused! When you put God first in everything – including your income and your possessions – then He will bless you. But, if your priority is on you, then His blessing will allude you.
Simple Truth:
God’s work and His house must be the top priority in every area of our life!
Reflections & Application:
- See yourself as a steward! You literally own nothing – you are simply a caretaker of what God has allowed you to have. Be a good steward!
- Are you a tither? The “first-fruits” of all you have belong to the Lord. When you honor God with the first part of what He has provided, then His blessings will be on the remaining part!
- Tithing is more than money! The first ten percent of all you have is called a tithe. That means your time, your talent, and your treasures! It’s a matter of priorities!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I want to honor You with all that You have provided for me. My desire is to make You the top priority in every area of my life, including my time, my talents and abilities, and my treasures and possessions. I am Yours, Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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