Birthright for sale

Birth rights for sale 

"One day Jacob was cooking a stew. Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, "Give me some of that red stew--I'm starved!" That's how he came to be called Edom (Red). 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." (Gen.25.29-33). 

Life has taught us to trade what we have for what we want or need. And this is basic economics but the story of how Esau lost his birthright is a lesson we should not forget in a hurry. It tells us that we do not value what we have, until we have lose it. 

Esau had his birthright and that entitles him to a double portion of the inheritance from his father. But he was willing to trade a long term advantage for a short pleasure. He wanted a quick fix over a permanent solution. More like most of us who are stock in the nowness of things at the expense of the preferred future. Live in the now they say, and it has some merit but at what cost? 

Esau sold his birthright because he could not delay immediate gratification. What future benefit are you losing at this moment because you can't foresee that future advantage right now?  What are you giving up today so you can secure tomorrow? Jacob gave up a plate of stew so he could secure a future. Esau gave up a future so he secure a plate of stew. How much is your future worth to you?  Which of these are you? Are you buying or are you selling? We are doing one or the other every time of our life. 

''On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn." (Gen.25.33)

Good day,
Have a great day today, 
Emmanuel Okoro 
(aka Mr. Lift) 

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