Is It Worth It? Really Worth It?

REFERENCE:  Gen. 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

Observation:  This story is a warning for us as Christians. The Bible describes us as "the firstborn among many brothers". Esau did wrong not simply because he sold his birthright, but because he didn't value it. He didn't see that what he had was a deep blessing and an honor.

For us, our birthright is that God has promised to bless us, to be near to us, to care for us--if we walk upright before Him. When we choose to sell that birthright for the tawdry pleasures of this world we are offending God, not only by our sinful actions but by our attitude of disregard for the great treasure He has given us at the cost of the death of His son on our behalf.

Application/Confession: I need to remember what I am giving in trade for base, temporary pleasure or the, supposed, freedom to give into my flesh. The greatness of my birthright as a Son of God has to stay at the forefront of my mind. I love God so much. I am so thankful for what Jesus did for me. I can not pour contempt on what He won for me simply to get momentary pleasure.

PRAYER: Lord, I am so sorry for those times that I have traded the birthright you have given me as your son for sin. Please forgive me for taking my birthright--which cost you so much--so lightly, treating it with such contempt, devaluing it by my actions. I always want to stand near you, I need your joy, I need your peace, I cry out for your blessings as your son. May I never again trade these things to feed the temporary desires of my flesh.