Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 1–4; 7–14: Lesson 155
Haggai
“Consider Your Ways”
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In our busy lives, how can we make time for the Lord and the things He asks us to do? We can benefit from following the Lord’s invitation to the Jews to “consider [our] ways” (Haggai 1:5) regarding how we make time for Him. This lesson can help inspire you to put God first in your life.
Study the Scriptures
Ponder what President Russell M. Nelson might have meant when he stated: “As you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder” (“Stand as True Millennials,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2016, 51).
In your notebook, record your thoughts about the following:
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What are things you spend your time doing each day?
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What are things the Lord asks each of us to prioritize?
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What does President Nelson’s statement mean for you?
As you study Haggai, look for inspiration from the Holy Ghost about how the Lord can bless your life as you make time for Him.
After the Jews returned to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon, they dedicated their time to rebuilding their temple, city, homes, and lives (see Ezra 1:1–6). But after about 15 years had passed, the Lord was displeased that they had not given higher priority to rebuilding the temple (see. Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:3–4). He sent His prophet Haggai to command the people to build the Lord’s house.
Read Haggai 1:2–4. In these verses, we learn that the Jews were not focused on rebuilding the temple. In verse 4, notice the word ceiled. It means paneled. This might indicate that while they left the temple unfinished, the people built comfortable and well-furnished houses for themselves.
Read Haggai 1:5–11. Mark the consequences the Jews faced because they prioritized other things instead of rebuilding the temple.
Eventually, the Jews and their leaders obeyed the voice of the Lord. Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the high priest) led the efforts to rebuild the temple (see Haggai 1:12–14). The prophet Haggai helped too (see Ezra 5:1–2). As they spent time working on the temple, the Lord offered words of encouragement.
Read the following passages. Make a note next to the passage completing the following sentence: If we put God first in our lives …
Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.
Option A
Why should I put the Lord first in my life?
President Russell M. Nelson exhorted:
The voices and pressures of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive, seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.
… I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always. (“Make Time for the Lord,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 120)
Watch “The Soul’s Sincere Desire” (3:28). Look for ways you could respond to the following questions, and record your answers in your notebook:
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What advice would you give someone who feels they cannot put God first in their life?
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How has God blessed you or others you know for putting Him first?
Option B
How can I focus on putting God first in my life?
President Russell M. Nelson explained:
Let Him know through your prayers and your actions that you are serious about overcoming the world. Ask Him to enlighten your mind and send the help you need. Each day, record the thoughts that come to you as you pray; then follow through diligently. (“Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 97–98)
Your friend Alex is busy. She plays for a local cricket team, participates in the community play, and enjoys spending time with you and other friends. She works hard to get good grades and is applying for an advanced summer school program. Alex doesn’t have a lot of extra time, and with the time she does have, she works on photography. She has mentioned her struggle to put any energy into spiritual things.
Record in your notebook your response to the following questions:
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What truth from Haggai could inspire Alex?
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What advice would you give Alex to help her put God first?
Now What?
In Haggai 1:5, 7, the Lord repeated counsel to “consider your ways.” Mark that phrase in verses 5 and 7.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Each of us should evaluate our temporal and spiritual priorities sincerely and prayerfully to identify the things in our lives that may impede the bounteous blessings that Heavenly Father and the Savior are willing to bestow upon us. And surely the Holy Ghost will help us to see ourselves as we really are. (“Put On Thy Strength, O Zion,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 94)
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know you and want to help you. Take a couple of minutes to “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7). Reflect on your priorities, and consider if there are things you need to prioritize or remove from your life to welcome the blessings They are eager to give you.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help inspire you to put God first in your life.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The advice you would give someone like Alex who feels they cannot put God first in their life.
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What the Lord’s counsel to “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7) means for you today.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?