Prison Ministries

Read Genesis 25:29-34, Hebrews 12:16-29
The “Esau Syndrome”

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

Before we think too harshly and belittle Esau too strongly for selling his birthright for a bowl of soup, we need to think of how often we have devalued our birthright as sons and daughters of God and heirs to His covenants through faith in Jesus Christ.

Esau’s sin was indifference. He could not care less about being the heir of the promises of God.

Many have come into the family of God through God’s covenant of grace extended to generations of believers in a family only to disavow their birthright.

What joy there is in receiving this legacy of faith and passing it on to our children and our children’s children.

How sad it is to see children of the promise disregard the clear teaching of Scripture and devalue their birthright by getting yoked to an unbelieving spouse, just like Esau. How sad it is to be indifferent to the promises and commands of God and to devalue our blessings as brothers and sisters of Christ for pleasures, possessions, and approval of others.

Indifference, like all sins, is serious and has severe consequences. It is akin to lukewarm, and God says that He will spit the lukewarm out on the Day of Judgment.

From God’s perspective, God, parents, and others is the “blue chip” priority of values we should all be maintaining if we are serious about doing life God’s Way.

Are there any unholy values that are compromising your life and witness?

Father, may I never be indifferent to Your promises or Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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