Think It Through

Genesis 25:29-34 (NLT)

One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)

“All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”

“Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”

But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

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.


Reflection

I’ve made choices in my life prioritizing God’s voice that I have ended up thanking Him for every day. I’ve also made plenty of self-motivated decisions that I have regretted making! “Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” This quote by John C. Maxwell highlights that our lives add up to a series of decisions: some are life-altering ones, and some masquerade as inconsequential. Every choice, however, is exactly that - a choice! The act of selecting one option over another can affect your life and well-being that day...and possibly for many days to come.

So, how do you go about making decisions? Do you focus on your feelings, what you want or desire most? Or do you choose the most practical thing to do in that moment? Often the voices and opinions around us affect us more than we’re willing to admit. We often give weight to our fears and flesh by making decisions that minimize our current uncomfortable state, even if those decisions come at the cost of our future well-being.

In our passage today, Esau somehow manages to do all the above in one fell swoop! He focuses on what he wants most in the moment, prioritizing his fleshly desire above all else. He rationalizes his decision based on practical considerations, not on invisible spiritual principles. Esau gives space to his fear and allows his sly brother’s voice to usurp him from his God-given position and blessing.

It's easy to watch Esau and cringe, wondering what in the world he was thinking by giving up his entire birthright, just for a bowl of soup! And yet...what God-given positions are we forfeiting by the decisions we repeatedly make? Are you allowing fears and worry to crowd out your Prince of Peace? Do you allow others’ voices to take precedence over the God whose once-spoken voice keeps the universe spinning? Or do you give in to the pull of your fleshly desires, forfeiting your redeemed spirit’s power?

The way we make decisions time and again reveals our priorities. God wants us to know His will in every situation, and He has our best in mind. He wants to give us not only a future, but a hopeful and blessed one! We need to keep our priorities spiritual, our hearts attuned to His voice, and our minds open to His leading. Ask Him for help in the moment before every decision…and take hold of the best that He has for you!


Action Steps

1. What is a decision that is weighing on your heart today? Write down other priorities that are vying for your attention over your Savior’s voice. Take a moment to pray and align that decision with His Spirit.

2. What is a reoccurring decision you are making that is not in line with the priorities of God? What is taking precedence over His voice? Take time right now to take that issue to the throne of His grace and submit your will to His. Ask for His grace and strength to change your path...you won’t regret it!


Prayer
 
Lord God, give me the grace to make every decision count towards a life well-lived for You. Protect me from making choices without listening to Your voice and help me grab hold of Your boundless grace whenever I fall. In Jesus’ name, amen.