​Reflection:

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You probably read the story of Jacob and Esau today and thought, I can't believe Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. How foolish! But let's think beyond birthrights and soup.

Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth?

In other words, what is your "bowl of soup"?

Have you pursued wealth and a career at the expense of family?

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19 (KJV)

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"

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Maybe your busy schedule has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day.

Some people become involved in extramarital affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires. Others sacrifice their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by overindulging in food. The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless.

Proverbs 14:12 says (KJV)

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

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Some of the decisions we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give us.

When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you're actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure.

We can't afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings.

Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV) says

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting. The harvest will come, and we'll reap what we have sown--and more than we've sown.

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Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning?

A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action.

Don't let "a bowl of soup" hinder God's wonderful plans for you.

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Prayer: 

Father, thank You for the reminder that treasure and pleasure on earth are just but temporal. Help me not to focus on physical things on earth that has no eternal value. Realign my path back to You by helping me to refocus on Your Word, to trust You for my future, and to direct me to do what is pleasing before You. I surrender my concern unto Your will. I pray to You, in Jesus Name, Amen.