Full Speed Ahead!

     "Full speed ahead!"  That's the way we live life these days, isn't it?  Barreling through the minutes of the day without much forethought or planning.  Pushing the snooze button for nine more precious minutes of sleep.  Rushing here and there, hurrying to get from one task or appointment to the next.  Taking care of what HAS to be done and leaving until tomorrow what really NEEDS to be done.  It's become cliché, but it is so true at the same time:  In this day of modern convenience, with appliances and gadgets that are designed to save us time and make life easier (we carry computers in our pockets!), we have less and less time for what is important...that thing God has called us to do.
     Once upon a time there was a group of people who were allowed to return from captivity to their homeland.  They came home to find destruction all around.  They had been given the opportunity to go home for a purpose, but their focus was redirected.  Their activities centered on themselves.  After all, they needed a place to live and food to eat before they could get started on the real work, didn't they?  How could they be expected to do all that heavy labor until they were able to provide food on the table for their families or have a place to sleep at night?  They didn't refuse to fulfill their mission, they just delayed it to take care of personal needs. 
     Their mission?  To rebuild the temple of God.  The place where God's glory would reside among them.  Their immediate and personal task?  To build homes and provide food for themselves.  God noticed.  He told the prophet Haggai, "These people say, 'The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house.'"   He asked the people, "Is it time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"  God went on to say, "Give careful thought to your ways."
      Give careful thought to your ways.  I started this post describing a basic day in the life of an average American.  Wake up, dress, leave the house, do the job, run the errands, take the kids to all their practices, stop at the store, get the homework, make something for dinner, make sure everyone has clean underwear to wear tomorrow, get the backpacks and briefcases ready for another day...collapse and do it all again.
     God describes the drought and lack of progress his people experienced.  They neglected God and he brought punishment.  One commentator said, "Basically, they assumed his blessing upon their own plan while neglecting to consider his plan."  These people neglected God.  They didn't consider that he had no place to dwell amongst them.  They built a bare altar, just enough, and went about what they considered the important business of everyday life.  Their priorities were askew.   
     Aren't we so much like these ancient people?  You can find their story in the book of Haggai in the Bible.  Although it is found in the Old Testament and occurred so long ago, it is very relevant today.  God calls us to do his mission.  We have so many things that distract us and get in the way.  In a devotion book I use at home the reader is asked to list the things that get in the way and draw her attention when she sits down to read her Bible and prayer.  For me, it was a quick and easy list.  If I run put that load of clothes in the washer then I can put them in the dryer when I am finished.  I probably should go ahead and bathe the dog now since it takes him so long to dry.  (Our dog has thick fur.) Did I lay the chicken out to thaw?  I was supposed to call and make an appointment, better do that now.  Oh, I could go on and on, but you get the idea.  What would be on your list?  Seriously, take a few minutes and jot the things down that pop into your mind the next time you pick up your Bible and sit down expecting a few quiet minutes with the Lord.  I think you will be surprised. 
     Friend, I want to encourage you today to allow God into your world.  Put aside all those things that distract you from his presence and his glory.  Stop neglecting time with him.  Quit putting off doing that thing that is in your heart and you know he has prompted in your thoughts.  Isolate yourself and protect the time you are using to read his Word and talk with him in prayer.  Won't you give careful thought to your ways starting today?