Working for Wages? Not Kingdom Principle
In the light of the New Testament and of Jesus, we know God is not concerned with what is outside but inside, the fruits of the Spirit.
With this in mind:
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?”
Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!”
Haggai 1:3-5 NKJV
The Lord points out the lack of care to build the place of worship to Him.
In the New Testament this speaks of our worship life to Him. The secret place.
You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”
Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!"
Haggai 1:6-7 NKJV
This passage speaks of man's search for satisfaction in worldly things. Our Father in Heaven knows we need all these things.
In the Indonesian Translation it even gets more specific as it refers to those who working for wages i.e. sole purpose is to just earn wages and nothing more.
God is pointing out our misplaced treasure. Prioritizing secular things instead of our worship to him, i.e. the neglected temple. We are the temple.
God is not concerned about a building. He is concerned about our communion with Him.
The Spirit of God desires to commune with His people. He is concerned about our spiritual health, spiritual body. For us it's either flesh or spirit, can't be both, it also for our own good.
Satisfaction, nutrition, true bread can't be found within buying food, water, new houses.
God immediately addresses and tells us to consider, think about our ways.
Are these ways the ways described by the Bible? Psalm 119:105 your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.
Are our ways now the way under this light?
Then the Lord proceeds with a practical solution
"Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,”says the Lord.
Haggai 1:8 NKJV
- Go up the mountains: Get to the place of worship, your secret place, the church.
- Bring something, don't come empty, bring your worship and a readied heart. Wood meaning it doesn't even have to be costly, simply prepare and bring simple wood.
- Build the temple: It will be a process, your relationship with the Lord will take time
And this is God's part for us.
“For thus says the Lord of hosts:
‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.
‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.
‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
Haggai 2:6-9 NKJV
To this temple God brings all riches from all nations, silver and Gold are His!
This is not prosperity gospel. God knows when and how to bless, His blessings will satisfy. His glory and presence will satisfy.