Pray Before You Act

“When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.’ Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ Esau said, ‘Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?’ And Jacob said, ‘First swear to me’; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:27-34

He had a beautiful wife, two children, a spacious home, and a promising position on his job. Yet, in a moment of thoughtless passion, he lost it all. He was sure no one would find out, but they did. He jeopardized everything. We ask him, “Don’t you care about your wife and children?” and the answer is a painful, heart-breaking yes.

Passion clouded his thoughts. Had he stopped to think about the future and the tragedy of his decision, he would have said no. But he did not, and the need for self-gratification won out.

We shake our heads in disbelief at Esau because he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. However, the irony is that we do the same thing today; the results are just as devastating. Anytime we make a decision based on an intense desire to satisfy an immediate need, we run the risk of making tragic mistakes. For the sake of gratifying needs, people make thoughtless commitments that God cannot bless.

The next time you feel the urge to act in the immediacy of the moment, stop, walk away, and ask God: “Does this line up with Your very best for my life?”

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17