Joel Osteen Devotional May 29 2021 – Weigh the Cost

Hebrews 12:17, MSG

Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing–but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

In Genesis 25, Esau came in from the fields famished. He begged his brother, Jacob, to give him some of the stew he’d made, which gave Jacob an opportunity to take advantage of him. Jacob said, “Trade me your birthright for it.” As the firstborn son, Esau would receive a double portion of his father’s inheritance, which made the birthright extremely valuable. Esau said, “What good will the birthright do me if I starve to death?” He chose to satisfy a short-term appetite and be happy in that moment, but it cost him a lifetime blessing. When we let our feelings rule us–what we want and feel in the moment–we never make good decisions. Your flesh says it’s okay to compromise in your business if it’s an easy way to get ahead, or it’s okay to be unfaithful in a relationship if it feels good. Your decisions in those defining moments will determine how high you rise. Will you do the right thing when it’s hard?

Father, thank You that down at the foundation of my life I can be a person of integrity, someone who’s true to You no matter what. Help me not to let my feelings rule and lead me into compromises. I will not let short-term desires keep me from Your lifetime blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.