It’s only been a few weeks since the most wonderful times of the year, the Christmas season. Despite all that’s been going on, my workplace conducted a potluck lunch. I usually bring my own food as I have a pretty strict diet. Yet, who was I to resist all the tasty looking sweet treats? I loaded my plate full of Oreo dirt cake, banana pudding, and Little Debbie Christmas tree cake dip (yes that exists). My intention was to eat the healthy food I prepared at home and indulge my sweet tooth. Everything was delicious and I raved on and on to my coworker. In less than an hour, it all went south (no pun intended). I spent the rest of the day hunched over with the worse possible tummy ache. Needless to say, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I’m sure we can all relate. Then again, your weakness may not be sweets. Whatever the temptation, it can be so easy to lose focus of the consequences when offered the alluring instant gratification. Let’s look at some Biblical examples of this.
The first example would be the story of Esau. He was Isaac’s firstborn and favored son. Per Hebrew custom, Esau would inherit a larger portion of his father’s estate. It was also customary for his father to endow a greater blessing over him near the father’s passing. Despite all that Esau had going for him, the Bible describes Esau as reckless. He was fiery and rough; a man of the field. After a long day of hunting, his younger twin brother coerced him into selling his birthright for a single meal. Esau lost sight of the benefit of future gains for convenience of one home-cooked meal. He didn’t consider the repercussions of his decision.
Another example is found in the story of Moses. By the grace of God, he was spared from the wrath of Pharaoh when his mother sent him afloat down the Nile. Moses spent his formative years growing up in luxury and comfort as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. We can assume that Moses knew his true identity. Most likely, his mother nursed him until the age of five, and probably taught him some of Hebrew beliefs (Nurses were a well-esteemed member of the family during that time period). As Moses came of age, he grew aware of the gravity of the slaves’ lives. He made a choice to leave the comfort of royal pleasures to live among his people. Moses dared to believe that God could use him to lead the Israelites to freedom.
So, what has caused you to lose sight of the eternal? Many things are fighting for our attention. Temptation arises when we are enticed by our own lusts and desires. For some, it maybe drugs or alcohol. Others may struggle with sexual temptation. It could be as “small” as having a tendency towards gossip and slander. Whatever the temptation, it’s not worth the separation that results. As it reads in the book of Hebrews, it takes faith to please God. Living your life in such a way to reap eternal rewards takes faith. Sin gratifies instantly but the feelings are short term. It is always followed by guilt and condemnation. As Christians, the Holy Spirit empowers us with grace allowing us to deny temptation. We also have the promise of eternal life which is worth far more than anything on this earth. So, don’t loose sight. Whenever you’re tempted to indulge, ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. He will!
Be encouraged! 😊
Written by Christa Martina
FB page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:16-17 (NLT) “Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.”
Hebrews 11:6, 24-26 (NLT) “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.”
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