“So the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai, Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4 NLT).
You’re right, Lord.
No, there’s nothing extravagant about my home, except for the fact that it came directly from Your hands. Luxurious would describe nothing at all about our little farmhouse. Fancy would have to be reserved for another parcel of land other than the one whose deed bears our name.
But You’re right.
There are a lot of things I spend more time, effort and sweat on than Your home—he one inside me and the one I attend every Sunday and Wednesday.
I’m doing very little to keep your church filled, strengthened and swept free of cobwebs and dirt-dobber nests. I put little thought to inviting others over to Your house.
I’m spending more time selecting my Sunday-best than praying for the hearts and minds that’ll be in attendance, refurbishing Your house with new hearts and lives.
There’s more to caring for a home than just living in it, isn’t there? It’s checking the corners for termite damage. It’s cleaning the filters on the furnace. It’s scrubbing the toilets and repairing the shingles. It’s not just laying my head down at night trusting You’ll accomplish what needs done.
It’s making sure the little things I allow in my heart do not tear down what You’re building up to glorify and honor You. It’s not taking for granted the overwhelming privilege of being welcome in Your house.
There’s a little bit of housework I need to be doing—in me.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Today is Day 26 of 40 days of Prayer and Fasting with International Missions. Pray for a spirit of holiness among the believers in your church. Ask God to impact each believer with the need to lead authentic, Spirit-led lives.
From Home Missions: Pray for the growing cowboy ministry in Texas.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsover things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
