“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” Matthew 24:35
In a world driven by instant gratification, it’s easy to make decisions based on what feels good now, instead of what truly lasts. Our culture encourages quick results, fast success, and short term comfort! But Scripture constantly calls us to take the long view, to live for the eternal, not the temporary.
One of the clearest Biblical pictures of this principle is found in the story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25.
Esau’s Temporary Trade
Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac, came in from the fields one day famished. Jacob, his younger brother, was cooking a stew. When Esau asked for some, Jacob offered a trade: Esau’s birthright for a bowl of stew.
It’s a shocking exchange, but here’s what Scripture tells us:
“Esau said, ‘Look, I am about to die; what good is the birthright to me?’”
– Genesis 25:32
And just like that, Esau gave up something of eternal significance for something that would satisfy him for only a moment.
Scripture closes this moment with a sobering commentary:
“So Esau despised his birthright.”
– Genesis 25:34
He traded the blessing, inheritance, and spiritual legacy that came with being the firstborn for temporary comfort…a full stomach that wouldn’t last the night.
We’re Not So Different
Before we judge Esau too quickly, we need to look at our own lives. How often do we trade long term spiritual growth for short term ease?
- We exchange time with God for more screen time.
- We prioritize status over character.
- We cling to unforgiveness because it feels easier than reconciliation.
- We chase temporary pleasures at the cost of eternal purpose!
Just like Esau, we are tempted to let our hunger for now cause us to forfeit what God wants to do for us later.
Fixing Our Eyes on the Eternal
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Esau made a decision with his eyes on the temporary. We are called to lift our eyes higher.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be.”
When our hearts are anchored in eternity, we stop clinging to things that won’t last.
How to Resist the “Bowl of Stew”
Esau’s moment of weakness is a warning, but also a wake up call. Here are a few ways we can live differently:
- Pause before choosing. Temporary cravings often make poor long term decisions. Stop and ask: Is this worth it in light of eternity?
- Know your birthright. In Christ, we are heirs (Romans 8:17). Don’t trade your identity or calling for something that can’t satisfy.
- Feed your spirit. Esau’s hunger drove his choice. Stay spiritually fed through Scripture, prayer, and community.
- Trust God’s timing. Don’t rush to fill your life with what’s “good enough.” Wait for what is God’s best.
Final Thoughts
The tragedy of Esau’s story is not just what he lost, it’s how easily he gave it away. But the beauty of our story is this: even when we’ve made poor trades, God offers grace, redemption, and another chance to choose what’s eternal.
Don’t live for what fades. Don’t be consumed by what can never truly satisfy. Choose what lasts. Choose Jesus.
allgrowtogether, Christian life coaching. 