The Consequences Of Selling Our Birthright

Genesis 25:31-32 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

One of the delights of being a school chaplain is preparing a gift for the outgoing grade 6 children for their end of year Graduation Ceremony. Towards the final part of each year, I spend time with each upcoming graduate helping them, using some great resources, to identify their strengths and how they can use them to enhance their own growth and support others in their life. It’s a fun activity where the focus is on the student and everyone always leaves feeling valued, affirmed and that there is a real purpose behind each of their abilities that goes beyond themselves. No child has ever said no to doing this activity. Except Kai.

Kai loves soccer. Kai only wants his own way. He is impetuous, selfish and lives for the moment. He is heedless of the bigger picture. So, when I approached Kai to invite him to sit with me for just one break time to do this activity, he swore angrily and told me that he didn’t want my gift. He didn’t want to miss out on playing soccer that break time, or any other break time. So, because of Kai’s urgency to have what he wanted in the moment, and lack of self-sacrifice for a greater good, he missed out. Unfortunately, there will be no gift for Kai on Graduation Night.

Of course, Esau’s example of selling his birthright for a bowl of red stew is far weightier than missing out on a gift at the end of primary school Graduation Night, but the similarities are still clearly evident. Esau lived for the moment with complete disregard for the consequences of his hasty decision. There was something far more important on offer than just a fleeting bowl of stew, but his emotions blinded him from seeing it. He lost sight of the big picture, for the sake of the now.

We could point the finger in judgement here at either my school mate Kai, or Esau, but in all honesty, we need to consider our own shortcomings. How often have you or I let our emotional outbursts rob us of something far more valuable? Let’s reflect upon our own behavior.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

In an outburst of emotion, we hurt the feelings of another for the sake of getting our own way and having the last say. We lie to those who are dearest to us to cover up our own mistakes. We take what does not belong to us justifying the action by saying no one will know or it is just a small thing. We leave undone the tasks that we ought to be doing right now and waste time on what we ought not to be doing. We fail to show kindness in the moment to those in need with whom we are able to help. We allow our apathy and laziness to direct our thinking over a decision rather than take charge, trust God with the outcome and doing what is required. Need I go on?

Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

Every action now reaps a consequence in the future. Those who wisely and diligently plan their ways will be rewarded with the good fruit of their choices, but those who act hastily come only to poverty (Proverbs 21:5). In fact, Scripture tells us there is more hope for a fool that for the one who acts and speaks impulsively. Such behavior does not produce the righteous life that God desires of us. When we act in the moment according to how we feel, we forfeit the birthright that is waiting for us. That may simply be the blessing given by God for making a decision based upon His Word and not our own desires.

Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

We know in our hearts the right thing to do, yet sinful desires keep us from carrying it out. However, obeying the prompting of the Spirit rather than rebelling against His voice, will bring the blessing that will so richly impact our lives. The consequences of selling this birthright will continue to stifle and limit the power of God working triumphantly in our life until we turn in repentance to our Savior, and then choose to do the next right thing, regardless of how we feel in the moment.

“Father, help me to follow the promptings of the Spirit, which will, when obeyed, bring life. Forgive me for my own selfish desires which can be so hurtful to others. Help me to consider wisely and carefully the choices that I have this day and may they be made with an attitude of submission that desires to bring glory alone to You. Amen.”