Diligence or Indifference?

Strong, a splendid outdoors man and skillful hunter, the red-haired young man was his father’s pride. What dreams his father must have had for his oldest son! One day–and what a day that would be, Esau would inherit Isaac’s powerful position and vast wealth. It was his right as the firstborn.

Yet …

The day came when, exhausted and famished,  Esau arrived home to find his brother–that mama’s boy–cooking a  stew. “Give me some of that, ” he demanded.

Jacob stirred the stew, releasing even more of its savory aroma. “Trade me your birthright for it,” he said.

Esau agreed! Sitting down, he ate freshly baked with the lentil stew, then got up and “went on about his business, indifferent to the fact that he had given up his birthright” ~ Genesis 25:30-34, New Living Translation.

An old saying warns us, “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.” That is, don’t deliberately hurt yourself. Yet Esau did this, and we do, too.

How often have we resolved to change our less-than-helpful ways? But the moment we face the stress of following through, we buckle. We satisfy our immediate need and go on our way like Esau–indifferent to the harm we have done to ourselves.

What change would you like to accomplish with God’s help this year? Do you want to draw  nearer to him? Lead a life more pleasing to him Whatever good the Lord has put on your heart to attempt, hear the words of Jesus as he cheers you on.

Focus: “Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! … I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne” ~ Revelation 3:20-21, New Living Translation.

How about you? Are you indifferent to something in your life that needs changing? What’s holding you back from God’s best?