Often in the Old Testament GOD draws pictures with words to describe truth and HE does that in Haggai. The little 2-chapter book of Haggai uses the word “consider” 5 times and since repetition in the Bible always places a strong emphasis on what is being said, we can be sure GOD wants to tell us something and wants us to ‘listen up’.
Since the priests knew GOD word, HE had the prophet Haggai go to the priests and ask them if one carries holy (concentrated) meat in his garment (apron) and the apron touches bread, or wine, or oil, or any other meat will what it touches become holy? The priests quickly answered, “No”.
Then Haggai asked them if one is unclean (defiled) by contact with a dead body touches one of these things do they become unclean (defiled)? The priests responded, “Yes”.
Haggai relayed, “So is this people and so is this nation before ME, says the LORD; therefore, every work of their hands; and that which they offer is unclean” (Haggai 1:14).
When we are submitted to GOD and obeying HIS will, we are vessels of honor for GOD to use for HIS glory. But if in our hearts (where none can see) you or I harbor selfish thoughts, envy, anger and malice, or if we refuse to forgive, or are greedy although we are still GOD’s vessel we are vessels of dishonor (2 Timothy 2:20). Every work we do, or sacrifice we make is defiled.
Instead of being a blessing by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to flow through us to meet the needs of others (John 7:38-39), we become vessels of dishonor and no matter how good the works we do appear to men, we are the means of defiling those around us (example-Hebrews 12:15). But if we confess, we are cleansed.
As you see, it is really important to keep short accounts with the LORD. What I mean by that is when you or I recognize (and the HOLY SPIRIT will show us John 14:26) a bad thought, jealousy, greed, hatefulness, or competitiveness with a Christian brother or sister and we run to the throne of grace for mercy confessing our sins, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (sins we are not yet aware of)à (1 John 1:9) and we again are vessels of honor cleansed and ready for our amazing GOD.
But over sinning is not the only time we lose our effectiveness. What we do may not be what we consider sin, but merely be our acting independently of GOD’s counselà going with our own thoughts and ideas. JESUS said, “without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
The LORD tells us to consult HIM about all things (Proverbs 3:5-7). When we do that, listening attentively and carefully complying with what our amazing Creator shows us, we are laboring together with GOD (1 Corinthians 3:9) to do HIS will.
As we daily choose to be a living sacrifice to GOD (Romans 12:1) there is no longer any responsibility on us for the work. Our only responsibility is to stay in constant communication with GOD, following HIS leading and nudges. An old hymn says, “Trust and obey for there is no other way”.
If we want to bless GOD and man we must choose to die to our own ways and ideas and to conformity to this world (Romans 12:2) and let GOD direct us (by planting creative ideas and urges within our hearts and minds Philippians 2:13). That is the way we are gradually transformed by the renewing of our minds and in this manner show that GOD’s will is good (beneficial) acceptable (a reason for thanksgiving) and perfect (lacking nothing) (Romans 12:2).
Haggai told the people of his day, “Consider you ways”. I join with him and I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 