Haggai 1:4: The Silk Sheets Dilemma
SILK SHEETS
He was a young and hungry boxer from the rough streets of Newark, New Jersey. In the early days of his career, he was driven by an intense desire to eclipse every challenger and become the undisputed champion. Every morning, he would get up before the sun rose, and regardless of the weather, he would get out on the road and run before going to the boxing gym. Focus and determination marked his path, and soon his hard work started to pay off.
Fast forward to the height of his career; he's achieved his dreams and become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. He's enjoying the fruits of his labor, basking in fame, wealth, and all the luxuries of success. But with this newfound comfort, an unexpected challenge begins to surface. The roads he used to run with fire in his belly now seem harder to tread. The same gym where he spent hours honing his skills feels less inviting. A subtle shift is happening, and the source of it is surprising.
What changed for Marvin Hagler? He explains it best with a simple but profound statement: "It's tough to get out of bed to do roadwork at 5 a.m. when you've been sleeping in silk sheets." In those words lies a universal truth that extends far beyond the boxing ring. Success brings comfort, which can lessen our hunger and our desire to strive for even more.
Just like Marvin Hagler's struggle with the silk sheets, there's a potent allure to comfort that can grip us all; it's a timeless tale that weaves its way through the very fabric of human existence. This pull between aspiration and comfort, struggle and ease, is seen in the book of Haggai when the Israelites faced a similar dilemma. The amenities and luxuries of life were overshadowing a much grander calling. Let’s turn our attention to the 6th Century B.C., to the land of the Israelites.
CAPTIVE ISRAELITES RETURN TO JERUSALEM
The empires controlling the ancient world had taken God's people captive—the Assyrians to the north and Babylonians to the east. Two generations of captivity had elapsed, and, as always happens, kingdoms rose and fell; world empires came and went. King Cyrus of Persia, who conquered Babylon, had a different policy towards captives than the Babylonians. In 538 B.C., he issued a decree which allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland after 70 years as captives in Babylon and allowed them some self-rule.
The prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah had told the Israelites that God would allow them to return home someday to rebuild the Temple (Jeremiah 29:10, Isaiah 44:28). Now, the opportunity has come. Imagine the excitement and celebration when the news reached the Jews trapped in Babylon for 70 years!
Yet an immediate dilemma arose. After decades away from Jerusalem, the people of Israel were entrenched in Babylonian society. Those who had heeded Jeremiah's advice to build lives in exile had bought or built homes, begun businesses, and learned a new language and way of life. There was also a new generation of Hebrews who had never set foot in their homeland. They had only heard stories of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Despite the challenges, nearly 50,000 Jews returned home to Jerusalem, a devastated but still beloved city. With much work ahead, the Temple was the top priority, and the altar within the Temple was at the very top of the list. This was because it was only when they rebuilt the altar and the surrounding Temple that sacrifices could be offered in accordance with the Law of Moses.
OPPOSITION FROM OTHERS
There was a tinge of disappointment because this Temple wouldn't compare to Solomon's, but the process had begun. With the foundation and altar laid, worship of God in Jerusalem was again a reality. But then came a problem: the builders encountered political resistance from the locals, particularly the Samaritans, who were far from enthusiastic about re-establishing the Jewish state in Palestine. The terrain was fraught with political complications. This drained their enthusiasm, and they lost focus.
Judea had transformed over two generations, and the political balance had shifted. A rebuilt and re-energized Jerusalem could cause dramatic changes again, threatening existing power structures. The locals, fearing these potential shifts, made a deceptive offer to assist in rebuilding the Temple—a thinly veiled attempt to sabotage the project. While Zerubbabel, a leader of the returning exiles, saw through their scheme, their threats and bribes succeeded. The outcome: for almost 16 years, the project stalled.
Embarking on the path God has laid out does not mean the journey will be without challenges. This episode serves as a reminder that obstacles and opposition may arise even when we are aligned with God's will. The key is recognizing them for what they are and persevering.
THE ALLURE OF SILK SHEETS
Outside opposition was only one challenge they faced. The biggest hurdle was not external factors such as a lack of engineers or bricks; the real obstacle was internal, where their motivations and values contradicted their divine calling. Ultimately, it was their misplaced priorities that stalled progress on the Temple.
In the words of the prophet Haggai, we find a penetrating question: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:4 NIV).
God is not looking for an answer to this question from the Israelites. The answer is implied within the question, forcing the Israelites to reflect on their misplaced priorities.
Asking a question that contains the answer to drive a point home to the listener is something we do all the time. Is leaving it in the rain the best way to take care of your bike? Is drinking only soda good for your health?
Why was the answer to God's question so poignant to the Israelites? First, The panels they used on their houses were cedar. Cedar was rare and costly. Second, the very Temple they were not building would have been lined with cedar panels (1 Kings 6:9). Their self-focused pursuit made them pause doing what God had asked of them. Their energy and resources were diverted toward personal comfort.
The allure of silk sheets for the Israelites was their houses - cultural symbols of family heritage, stability, and God's blessing. These houses were often passed down through generations, and their size, quality, and durability indicated a family's standing within Israel.
The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem was not just a loss of a building but a loss of their spiritual center, a place that connected them with God. They turned their backs on their higher purpose by allowing the Temple to lie in ruins while they cedar-lined their homes.
Haggai's words hit home, don't they? He tells us how dangerous it is to get caught up in our silk sheets while ignoring what he asks of us. It's a wake-up call for all of us. We've got to be careful not to fall into that same trap.
PUTTING IN THE ROADWORK
When we prioritize silk sheets over God's kingdom, we find ourselves in a never-ending chase for satisfaction that constantly eludes us while simultaneously putting off what God has asked us to do.
Marvin Hagler was successful because he stayed focused, determined, and put in the "roadwork." Here are a few examples of what this looks like in our faith.
Mentoring a Young Believer: Imagine a college student who's having a tough time with their faith, filled with questions and doubts. Now picture a more experienced Christian saying, "Hey, I've been there too. Let's talk about it." They decide to spend time with that student, share some of what they've learned from the Bible, and offer a listening ear. It's like saying, "I care about you, and I'm willing to put in the time to help you grow spiritually." It's natural, personal, and a great way to make a difference in someone's life.
Reflect Priorities through the Practice of a Tithe: It's tempting to view tithing as an optional expense, something to be set aside when more "silk sheets" need to be financed. But when we honor God by giving the first tenth of our income to the work of God through our local church, we send a powerful message about what matters most. We say, "God, thank you for how you have already blessed us with this income." Tithing is a declaration that God is more important than our silk sheets, a commitment that puts faith into action. Investing in God's kingdom and aligning our spending with His values is a choice.
Participation in Local Church Ministries: Being part of a local church is about becoming actively involved in the life and ministry of the church. Those who participate, attend, and serve through the local church build the body of Christ. Participating in local church ministries is a way to live out our faith, forge meaningful connections, and positively impact our community. It turns the church from a place we go to a family to which we belong.
Personal Study of the Bible: Endless distractions compete for our attention. But consider the impact of setting aside just a few minutes each day to delve into God's Word. It's like a busy professional who starts his day with a passage from Proverbs or a busy mom who ends her evening reflecting on a Psalm. The Bible becomes our daily guidance and encouragement while deepening our relationship with God and aligning our thoughts and actions with His truth.
CONCLUSION: THE CHALLENGE OF THE SILK SHEETS
Marvin Hagler's words about the silk sheets, the struggle of the Israelites, and the timeless truth they convey are a call to action for all of us. It's so easy to get caught up in the pursuit of comfort, wealth, and success that we lose sight of what's truly important. Our homes, careers, and hobbies are the silk sheets that can entice us away from our divine mission.
The challenge is not to reject comfort and pleasure altogether but to ensure they don't become our ultimate goal. The question for each of us is, "What are my silk sheets, and how do I keep them from pulling me away from what God has called me to do?" Are you up for the challenge?
©2023 Greg McNichols, All rights reserved.
