Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? ”

Haggai 1:3-4 (NIV)

In the days of Haggai, the people of Israel had neglected the rebuilding of the House of God. Instead, they were preoccupied with their personal opulence.

God was not against the Israelites lapping up in their prosperity. But He took offense that His people were unaffected with the state of His House laying in ruins. This reflected the condition of their hearts and love for God.

In their pursuit for worldly comfort and security, the Israelites had forgotten their true identity as His people of the living God. The very reason that they existed as a people and nation.

Similarly, we can neglect the Church as Christians; choosing our worldly identity over our true identity and purpose as His children. And as His children, we have an obligation to our spiritual family.

Whether it is the Church as the Body of Christ or a home church, it’s state or health ought to be our concern. Not only should we have an obligation to be part of this family, we also have an obligation to serve and build up the Church for His glory.

So whichever country or whatever place God has planted us in, let us not only see it fit to live in a godly manner. But also take it upon ourselves to join hands with fellow believers in building His Church where God can be rightfully and accurately represented in our communities.