Holiness is hard work. That's one of the messages Haggai the prophet gave to the exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

Haggai gave the example of an Israelite who carried in his garment meat that had been set apart for use in the temple. The garment was considered holy because of what it carried, but that holiness could not be transferred to another object (2:12). In contrast, ceremonial uncleanness would pollute whatever it touched (v.13).

That tells us something about how carefully we must live in this world. We are easily soiled by the filth that sweeps around us each day. It's a bit like what happens with little boys. They always come home dirtier than when they left. Dirt, grass, and bicycle grease all seem to attach themselves to active boys. The only way to keep them clean is to keep them away from the grime.

When children get dirty, they can be cleaned up. But the people of Haggai's day had been defiled by disobedience and selfishness. The prophet said their cleanup would begin when they responded to his message and put God first. Then, as verse 19 explains, God's favor would return. Holiness would lead to blessing.

Obedience to God is difficult--but it's worth it.  — Dave Branon