Don't Trade All Your Future For One Today

SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 25:29-34

“Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.  He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!’ (That is why he was also called Edom.)

Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’

‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’

But Jacob said, ‘Swear to me first.’ So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.  So Esau despised his birthright.”

OBSERVATION:

I guess what I observe most readily is man’s nature to forfeit his future for the immediate.  Whether it is out of desperation, strong desire, mild desire, or a false sense of urgency person after person has done this in their life.

The woman who struggles with a lifetime of shame and guilt after an abortion.  The couple who sacrifices their financial future because they want too much too soon.  The guy who can’t control his sexual urges and forfeits a life long marriage fora one night stand.

It is a sad day when we despise the things that are most important and love the things that are temporary highs.

APPLICATION:

God has equipped us to avoid such a depressing place in life,  People can avoid desperation with wisdom, and can overcome desire with self-control.  We can avoid a false sense of urgency by practicing patience.  

The problem is that practicing wisdom, self control, and patience seem like a drag compared to throwing caution to the wind, flying by the seat of your pants, and spontaneity.  Because, these disciplines are, well disciplines, we begin to despise the future God has for us - our inheritance so-to-speak.  It is discipline and it is hard work, but it pays off over time.  I've heard the saying that "If you choose to live like nobody else right now, you will live like nobody else later."

I will keep a strong grip on the desires of my heart, on my level of peace and contentment, and on my emotional well being.  I will look to God to bring peace and contentment rather than the promise of peace and fulfillment the world offers.  I will try my best to live in moderation and keep my heart and mind set on the wonderful future God has for me.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for the wonderful inheritance that I have in you - the wonderful hope, of a prosperous future.  Help me to be keenly aware of the value of such things so I do not “throw my pearls to the pigs”.  In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!