Rise and Build: The CoVocational Call of Haggai

by Dave Miller

We live in a world obsessed with building—brands, businesses, houses, platforms, and careers. We chase the dream, stack our bricks, and hope the walls hold up. But if we’re honest, too many of us have built full homes and empty hearts. That’s not just a modern dilemma—it’s the exact warning God gave through the prophet Haggai.

“You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but are not satisfied. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes in it.” (Haggai 1:6)

The people of Haggai’s day had returned from exile with big dreams. But somewhere along the way, their personal priorities eclipsed God’s priorities. They built their own houses while the temple—God’s dwelling place among them—sat in ruins. And the results were clear: frustration, futility, and fatigue.

The Prophetic Word Still Speaks

God’s command wasn’t complicated:

“Consider your ways… Go up into the hills, bring wood, and build the house.” (Haggai 1:7-8)

The call wasn’t to abandon their lives—it was to realign them.

In other words: Don’t stop building—just build the right thing, in the right order, for the right reasons.

That’s where the CoVocational vision comes in.

What is the CoVocational Calling?

CoVocational leaders aren’t half-in on ministry and half-in on work—they’re fully committed to both. They see all of life as sacred—family, business, labor, and ministry are all acts of worship when surrendered to God’s glory.

Like the remnant in Haggai’s day, many of us are not called to leave our jobs or abandon the field—we’re called to rebuild the temple while still tending the land.

It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

You can swing a hammer for your home and still carve out space for the kingdom. You can run your business and raise up disciples. You can lead your family and help rebuild the family of God.

But it takes courage. It takes humility. It takes starting over.

Success Isn’t the Same as Obedience

One of the most powerful moments in Haggai is when the older generation weeps because the new temple doesn’t compare to the former glory. They remembered the gold and grandeur. The new version looked plain.

But God said:

“The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house… And in this place I will grant peace.” (Haggai 2:9)

That’s the promise we cling to in CoVocational living.

It might not look as impressive.

It might not make headlines.

But when it’s done in obedience, God fills it with His glory.

What This Means For You

If you’re feeling the weight of responsibility—family, finances, leadership—good. That weight isn’t a burden when it’s yoked with Jesus. It’s a calling. And Haggai reminds us that our calling is never just personal—it’s collective. It’s kingdom.

So:

• Build your house—but don’t neglect God’s.

  
  

• Tend your field—but don’t forget the harvest.

  
  

• Raise your kids—but raise up spiritual sons and daughters, too.

  
  

• Grow your business—but build a place where God dwells among His people.

  
  

This is the CoVocational call: Rise and build.

Not for your name, but for His.

Not just for today, but for eternity.

Not just for your house—but for the house of the Lord.

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Scripture Reading: Haggai 1–2

Reflection: What part of your life have you built with excellence while neglecting the work God’s called you to do for His people?

Action: Recommit to rebuilding—with your head, your heart, your hands, and your calendar.