SHORT TERM SATISFACTION!
- Key Verse
- "'Look, I am about to die,' Esau said. 'What good is the birthright to me?'" (Genesis 25:32)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
How do your impulsive needs and desires affect your future?
Reflections
The birthright was an honor given to the oldest son. He would one day inherit the wealth and leadership of the family. Can you believe Esau was willing to give all of this away for a bowl of soup? You would think Esau had been told the stories of his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac, following God - and the promises that God had already fulfilled. Esau should know great things would be ahead for him.
I think the birthright is like the blessings God has laid before us. We can have them if we follow Him. Sounds easy right? I wish! Think about these scenarios:
- You are out shopping and see an outfit that you want, but you don't have the money. Do you buy it on credit that you cannot pay off? Do you steal it?
- You are feeling sexual pressure from your girlfriend/boyfriend or you are married and having feelings for someone besides your spouse. Do you give in?
- You're a student and don't know the answer on a test, but your friend beside you gets A's. Do you copy their answer?
- A group of people are talking about someone in a negative manner. Do you join in?
Esau gave in for the quick satisfaction of a meal and lost his inheritance. Could we be giving away our blessings for the pressure of the moment or desire for something new, such as a good grade, or to be loved/ liked?
The good news is: Jesus died on the cross to free us from our sins and we can ask Him to forgive us. Then seek Him daily for wisdom and guidance. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
If you have not already asked Jesus into your life, you can do that now. Admit your sin to Him, believe in Him, and commit your life to Him. If you have more questions, contact Hill Country Bible Church or visit http://www.hcbc.comDiscussion Questions
1. Do you seek Jesus daily for counsel in all parts of your life?
2. Before making a decision, do you ask yourself: "Is this the wise thing to do?"
3. Do you think about how this will change your life a week from now, a month from now, a year from now?
4. Do you have a Christian friend or counselor that you can talk to?
5. How can you keep yourself from making impulsive decisions?
Don Traub
January 30, 2012 05:18 AM
Thanks Charline for the reflections on this passage. They are very timely and encouraging for me, given a number of important life decisions I have before me.
Stacey
January 30, 2012 06:13 AM
Thank you, Charline! Good insight...wise choices begin with knowing the Truth Giver and Lover of our souls! You are a blessing!
Mark Sutton
January 30, 2012 07:46 AM
Charline, Thanks for this mornings log and the reminder that It is important to have God's church around us. " For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" Matt 18:20 Blessings, Mark
Darry Worsham
January 30, 2012 08:05 AM
Charline, Thank you for reminding me of the importance of measuring my decisions based on the eternal impact and not my temporal appetite. Blessings, DW
Tom Jeannett
January 30, 2012 09:16 AM
Wow! Simple, wise, powerful and encouraging insights and reminders. Matthew 6:33.Thanks Charlene! You really are a blessing.
Marilyn Dixon
January 30, 2012 09:42 AM
Awesome devotional, Charline. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
Betsy Doolittle
January 30, 2012 09:53 AM
Charline- Thank you for taking a familiar passage and making it fresh and interesting! I never thought about the impulsive nature of Esau in that way. It's so easy to see it in me because of the practical ways you spelled it out. May God bless you and your family in practical ways that you all can see!