SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1166

“Consider Your Ways”

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. – Haggai 1:5-7

The Hebrew word for ‘way’ in our reference Scripture is used in a variety of contexts. It can mean a road, distance, journey, or manner. The Lord’s Word to us through the prophet Haggai is to carefully consider our manner of life.

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Luke 12:15 – Hebrews 13:5

Americanism advertising appeals to our innate sense of covetousness. It tempts us to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t know or like. Our covetous nature keeps us in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Our manner or way of life goes beyond how we manage our finances and material appetites. It encompasses our life stewardship of our health of spirit, mind, and body. It deals with our stewardship of life relationships with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and strangers. We are exhorted to carefully consider our way of speaking, thinking, and acting.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. – 1 Corinthians 4:2 – 1 Peter 4:10

Do you find yourself surrounded by numerous material possessions yet remain dissatisfied? Are your relationships with others a mere formality without depth? Does your character and manner of life testify to the presence of the Living Word of God in your heart?

Carefully consider your ways and be transformed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. In all your ways acknowledge Him… that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. – Romans 12:2 – Proverbs 3:6 – Colossians 1:9-10

May your ways, your manner of life and the meditations of your heart and mind be pleasing to the Lord.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. – Ephesians 5:15-16 – Matthew 24:46