We live in a world that tells us everything is supposed to revolve around us, around our interests, our desires, and our priorities.

• But throughout the scope of scripture, God presents a very counter-cultural approach…it’s an approach that doesn’t put our feelings or interests first, but puts God’s purposes first.

God wasn’t criticizing the Israelites for building homes or gardens, but he was pointing out that they had put those things, their interests ahead of God’s.

This is the powerful and challenging message of the opening chapter of Haggai…that our calling isn’t for us, it’s for them.

• Them being those around us, those that will follow us.

God has positioned you where he has and when he has for one purpose: to build His Kingdom.

• While the pressure is to build our dream, to build what makes us happy, the secret is you will find a deeper sense of joy, of contentment and of peace when you pursue God’s purposes versus your comforts.
• And while building God’s Kingdom will definitely cost you a lot, it will be uncomfortable and stretch you beyond what you think you are capable of, you will be stepping into what God created you to ultimately be.

So here are some questions to process today:

• What are your words, your actions and your responses building in this world?
• Is what you’re building with your life for your benefit or the benefit of others?
• What do you need to change to start building God’s Kingdom?