Keeping Faith Alive

The biblical account of Jacob and Esau reflects our personality and behaviors. Esau believed in taking one day at a time while his brother Jacob was a man going somewhere with a definite attitude and purpose. He wanted power, position and control, so he persuaded a very hungry Esau to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew.

Most people will give food to someone genuinely hungry, but not Jacob. Evidently his value system did not intend for generosity to play a significant role in his life nor a belief that God would provide for his needs. His attitude was if he didn’t do things, they wouldn’t get done. Yet when we trust God to meet our needs, we feel secure.

When we’re bombarded by those eager to take from us all they can get, we're tempted to shut down generosity. Faith in Christ Jesus inspires giving to those in sincere need. James 2:17 warns that faith without good deeds is dead. Faith and generosity build a bridge to mutuality, giving to each other.

Selfish Ambition vs. Sacrificial Giving

SELFISHNESS can be an automatic, protective mindset and behavior when danger is apparent. Most often, however, it’s motivated by greed designed to satisfy deeper needs. Jacob wanted his brother’s birthright.  His attitude was, “I want all that's mine and what belongs to you.” He wanted his brother’s position and prestige.

What drives a person to develop a selfish disposition? Reckless ambition characterized Jacob’s life even though he had everything he needed. So instead of being greedy for more wealth, he wanted the acknowledgement that ownership of Esau’s birthright would give him. He would not live his life in obscurity by being in second place.

Jacob did not love his brother. Selfish ambition blindsided moral responsibility. He was thinking only of himself. Selfishness driven by greed grabs whatever is wanted. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together will others give to you.” This is a basic life principle to live by. 

Grabbing What You Want

Jacob was the twin son of Isaac and Rebekah. His name means grabber.  He was born holding on to the heel of his brother Esau which seemed to say, “Wait a minute! Don’t leave me behind.” Esau, as the firstborn, had exclusive birthright privileges, like a double portion of the inheritance.

Esau the hunter liked being outside. One day after Esau returned from a hunt feeling famished, tired and hungry, Jacob just happened to have a big pot of red stew ready to serve. As Esau came stumbling into the tent from his day’s work, he got a good whiff of the savory dish, which only intensified his hunger.

Jacob offered to trade Esau the pot of stew for his birthright, to which Esau promptly agreed. This trade would begin building a bridge of regret, anger, even hatred. Jacob wanted more out of life, expected more and devised ways to grab whatever he could. However, he left God out of his enterprises, which he would come to regret. Including Christ Jesus in your decisions brings blessings and favor.