You harvest less than you plant, you never have enough to eat or drink, your clothes don't keep you warm, and your wages are stored in bags full of holes. Think about what I have said! But first, go to the hills and get wood for my temple, so I can take pride in it and be worshiped there. You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It's because you hurry off to build your own houses, while my temple is still in ruins. That's also why the dew doesn't fall and your harvest fails. And so, at my command everything will become barren--your farmland and pastures, your vineyards and olive trees, your animals and you yourselves. All your hard work will be for nothing.
Haggai 1: 6 - 11
Working diligently at whatever you pursue is the essence of what is called the "Protestant Work Ethic." The Bible clearly warns against laziness and encourages hard work. But hard work by itself is not enough to guarantee prosperity and success.
Putting God first in your life plan and making Jesus Christ the anchor of your ship is totally necessary! If you succeed without honoring God first in your life, you will become a person of pride and self sufficiency without recognition of your need for God! That my friend will put your feet squarely on the road to Hell. Why would a loving God not put obstacles in your path as He tries to turn your heart to Him so that you can enjoy the bliss of Heaven with Jesus forever?
Jesus didn't live a perfect life here on earth to give God justification for sending you to Hell. Jesus lived a perfect life so that by His death on the Cross you can escape Hell and be saved from an unimaginably horrible eternity!
Instead of trying to change everything in your life instantly, put God first in the next decision you make. No matter how seemingly insignificant it is, factor in the will of God before determining what you will do. Then do the same thing with the next decision and the next and the next. Soon you will be living every moment for Jesus and you will give your whole heart and life to Him.
"Lord Jesus, help me today to put You first in everything I do, especially the next decision I make. Praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen."
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