Day 20 Through The Bible

Day 20: A Lesson from Esau – Loving God's Ways Over the World

Absolute Truth from God’s Word

The life and choices of Esau provide a profound lesson about faith and personal decisions. Esau, although brought up in a household where God was revered, showed that upbringing alone cannot sustain faith—it must be made personal. Genesis 28:8-9 describes a crucial moment in Esau's life:

"And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac, his father; then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife."

Here, Esau's choice to marry someone outside of his father's approval reflects a heart distant from God’s ways. This decision illustrates that proximity to a godly environment does not guarantee a personal relationship with God. Without personal faith, one is prone to being drawn deeper into worldly pursuits.

Practical Application: Loving God, Not the World

The Bible does not condemn the things of this world but warns against loving them. God has created everything for His glory, and our focus should remain on using these resources for His purposes, not our own.

The Apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15-17:

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

This passage reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly things. The real problem arises when we allow the “lust of the flesh,” “lust of the eyes,” and “pride of life” to overshadow our love for God.

Reflection and Response

Esau’s story serves as a cautionary tale. Even if immersed in a godly environment, without a genuine relationship with God, our hearts can easily drift toward the world. True faith is marked by a daily commitment to love God above all else.

As you reflect on Esau’s decisions and the teachings of 1 John, consider these questions:

• Are there areas in your life where your love for worldly things competes with your love for God?

• How can you use the resources and blessings God has given you for His glory?

Let us pursue a deeply personal faith, one that transcends mere tradition and transforms our desires, aligning them with God’s eternal purposes.