Daily Devo
Treasure Your Future!
By: Keefe Wilson
Saturday, August 16, 2025
“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So, he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So, Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25: 32-34
Our world is obsessed with instant gratification, but a single moment of pleasure could wreck your life forever! When I was a shift leader in the ER, another shift leader asked me to swap shifts; he offered to take my night shift, and I would take his day. I agreed to switch, unaware he’d been caught stealing narcotics and was now working with military investigators to catch others doing the same.
The night of our switch the trap was set. The doctor on duty wrote a fake prescription for one pill and discarded the rest. Instead of disposing of the unused medication, the shift leader quietly spread the word he had narcotics available. It worked, and some team members came to the ER and took the bait. Before their shift ended, arrests were already being made. I saw my co-workers walking through the hospital in handcuffs... Their faces were wet with tears, and their reputations were already destroyed. Some were married with kids, and they lost their families, careers, and freedom that night. They risked everything for a fleeting thrill, a moment in time they couldn't get back. They destroyed their future for one moment of pleasure.
Genesis 25:29–34 is about a similar moment of impulsiveness and shortsightedness. In the heat of the moment, Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of soup. Driven by hunger and impatience, he traded a lifelong blessing for immediate satisfaction. The NT book of Hebrews warns us not to follow Esau’s example of prioritizing physical satisfaction over spiritual well being. Like Esau, one bad decision can compromise your calling, damage your relationships, and stain your integrity. Whatever you do, don’t let the enemy lure you into a split-second decision that could derail your eternal destiny!
God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
Every decision plants a seed and brings a harvest—good or bad. Temporary pleasure isn't worth a lifetime of regret, and your calling is worth more than anything you might trade it for. Instead of acting hastily, pause and ask yourself these two questions: Is it worth the price? Will it pull me away from God? Pray over every decision and ask God to help you keep eternity in view.
Treasure the future God has prepared for you and don't trade it for anything!