Genesis 25:31-34 Jacob said, “Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn.” Esau said, “I’m starving! What good is a birthright if I’m dead?” Jacob said, “First, swear to me.” And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn. Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That’s how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn. (MSG)

Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac. In Genesis 25:23, God told Rebekah the wife of Isaac that one of her sons will be stronger and the older shall serve the younger. The Bible doesn’t mention that either Esau or Jacob knew about this prophecy, which means that their actions would play a significant role in their future.

Birthrights were special during the olden days, as all the blessings and riches of the father would be inherited by the firstborn. However, Esau didn’t value what was given to him by God as he traded his birthright to a bowl of stew. Esau was not going to die without Jacob’s stew, but he chose to lower his worth and settle for temporary satisfaction that will eventually affect his entire future.

The choices we make today have consequences, either to mould us into men and women of God we are called to be or to bring us to the opposite side of the will of God.

Our worth as Christians to be saved for eternal life can never be compared to the vanity pleasures the world is offering.

Are you compromising in any area of your life? Today, the Holy Spirit wants to help you repent and make better choices for the glory of God.