Volume 46   Number 4                                                        December 2003

I had the good pleasure of participating in the annual gospel meeting hosted by the Ozark and Nixa congregations in Missouri. The assigned topic was an examination of Haggai, the first of the post-exilic prophets. In 38 short verses, we see the phrase "thus saith the Lord" or similar phrase 26 times! Straightforward, plain and blunt, Haggai urges, "consider your ways" (1:5,7 & 2:15,18).

Haggai encouraged the rebuilding of the temple, a symbol of God's presence among the "Jews," a term itself emerging in the Babylonian exile. Although 70 years of captivity had come to an end, a captive mindset lingered! Considering the circumstances of an enslaved people returning to a war-torn area, we begin to understand their complacency in erecting the temple. Likely, many who returned were young people who now tasted ownership for the first time and were tempted by materialism. Building their own houses became their chief enterprise: God's work was left unattended.

Haggai's message resonates even today (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11) as we consider building up-edifying-one another. The construction metaphor is intentional. Christ was present at the creation and likely trained as a carpenter. Well acquainted with construction, Christ must be the builder of our lives, our marriages, our congregations (Psalms 127:1). What has he built? The earth and all therein are his! He built the temple of God in 3 days (Matthew 26:61 & 27:40). Yes, through the resurrection he was declared to be the son of God with power (Romans 1:4) and through our resurrection from the watery grave of baptism we are declared the children of God (Galatians 3:26, 27). He has built the church (Matthew 16:18), and has promised us a better abode when our earthly tabernacle fails (2 Corinthians 5:1 & Hebrews 11:10).

Contrast the carelessness and calamity of building on others. Some reject the words of Christ and are like the foolish man building on the sand (Matthew 7:24). So hardened are some that Jesus becomes a stone of offense, but to Christians he is the chief corner stone (Acts 4:11,12). Some build monuments and tombs to honor godly relatives or prophets (Matthew 23:29; Luke 11:47), but fail to consecrate an altar in their hearts. Some return to the Old Law for authority and build inappropriately (Gal. 2:18). Still others build only secular, worldly ventures-more barns (Luke 12:18) with no concern for God. Indeed, people will be building when the Lord returns (Luke 17:28-30).

Christ expects us to be caretakers of the community he has built till the end (Hebrews 3:1-6). Not only are we a part of God's building-we are it-and must maintain it. We are being built together (Ephesians 2:19-22) and serve as a temple of God both singularly and collectively (1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16, note the plural second person and singular temple). As living stones (1 Peter 2:4-10) we demonstrate our love for Christ in every aspect of being: heart, soul, mind, and strength. To follow Jesus means to count the cost of building (Luke 14:28). He can rebuild your life and keep you from falling if you build your faith (Jude 20; Colossians 2:7). God can quicken us, transforming us from lifeless stones (Matthew 3:9) to living stones with purpose. He wants us to build up one another, support one another-not stone one another, not demolish one another. Does he rock your world?

Consider your ways. We are established by words of sound doctrine (Acts 20:32). Are you present, physically and mentally, in the assemblies of the church (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Do you seek to participate in special gospel meetings like the one mentioned above in southwest Missouri? The development of faith accompanies public and private Bible study (Romans 10:17). One children's song uplifts and indicts: "Read your Bible, pray every day, and you'll grow, grow, grow. Neglect your Bible, forget to pray, and you'll shrink, shrink shrink " More "incredible shrinking saints" fit in a pew, but they eventually vanish!

Consider your ways. While self-actualization is important, we should aspire to edify others (1 Corinthians 14:2-5). The pleasure of hearing our own voices must be tempered by the benefits they provide or deprive others (1 Corinthians 14:13-18). "Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies"(1 Corinthians 8:1). Wise teachers seek wide, student participation. Gracious brethren, careful not to monopolize discussion, allow others to have input (1 Corinthians 14:26-33).

Consider your ways. Although a vital aspect of growth, edification is not limited to the assembly. Have you encouraged anyone to be a better Christian, Bible teacher, evangelist, elder, deacon? Mutual ministry-unconditional positive regard and service-may mean self-denial (1 Corinthians 10:23-24; Romans 14:19) in order to empower our brothers and sisters (Romans 15:2) and not embolden them to violate their consciences (1 Corinthians 8:10). It may mean comforting (1 Thessalonians 5:11) through a positive word, conversation, hug, smile, touch, card, meal.

Haggai 1:12-15 records the positive response of the people: "they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God. " May God bless our efforts to exalt him and build a spiritual temple.

[How tempted I was to focus on physical, and not spiritual building. Indeed, for 5 years the church in Kirksville has been planning to relocate and erect a new meeting house on 3.6 acres. As I put the finishing touches on this article, godly brethren informed me of a gift that will enable us, with the Lord's help, to build in 2004. We are humbled by their generosity and those of other congregations who have desired to aid us. May each of us remember in 2004 that our primary mission is to help people build their lives on Jesus.]

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