Scripture tells us to give careful thought to our ways. The prophet Haggai was given a word from the Lord to a people who were caught up in comfort and consumerism; living in beautiful houses, while the House of God was left in ruins. How are we self-absorbed and self-focused while the things of God are not taken seriously or thoughtfully? We can easily fall into the “American dream” of having a lot of possessions and conveniences and the busyness of holding it all together. Suddenly, without realizing it we are caring only about our own “house” when God would have us be consumed with zeal for His house!