Don't Give Up Your Birthright

I haven't made time to sit down and write for this blog in months, and I am feeling the weight of that. Writing is the way I process, and it's important in my relationship with the Lord. School is about to start back, and I always become more structured during the school year. If there is anything I've learned this summer, however, it's that you can't let things slide just because you have some free time and sunshine.

I've been going through the book of Genesis, and so far the most striking reminder for me came out of Chapter 25. In verses 29-34, Esau gives up his birthright for some stew that Jacob was cooking. Esau was famished, and in a moment of foolishness and impatience, he gave up his rightful future for temporary pleasure. As I read this, I couldn't help but think of all the times I have done this. In moments of weakness, want, or insecurity, I have given up my birthright, the joyful life that the Lord has for me, for temporary pleasure. No thing that I have ever traded for the life Christ has for me has ever left me feeling complete, secure, and happy. Instead, after the newness and temporary satisfaction goes away, I'm left feeling more empty and insecure than I ever did before.

I'm so thankful that the Lord left us His word to remind us of the joy that can be found in Him and to warn us and teach us with the mistakes that people have made in the past. When I am in a situation in which I am tempted to give up my birthright, I can remember. Real and lasting joy and pleasure is only found in Christ and the plan He has for my life.

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