Red-haired Esau returned home from the field faint from a long day of hunting. The smell of fresh soup wafted into his nostrils, instantly stimulating his taste buds. When he asked his brother, Jacob, for some of his soup, his wish was granted on one condition—Esau would have to sell Jacob his birthright. This transaction would transfer Esau’s right to a double portion of his father’s inheritance to Jacob, a very costly move for Esau.

In a moment’s reckoning, Esau forfeited his invaluable birthright for a quick meal. His decision forever branded him a profane person.

We may scoff at Esau’s foolishness, but we would be wise to consider our own faults. How often do we treat sacred things such as life, health, moral purity, our testimonies, and our personal legacies flippantly? In a moment’s time, we can lose it all. A profane person lives for the immediate gratification of his lusts, but in the end, he will not gain.

Are we guarding the sacred things God has entrusted to us? We may be a parent with a testimony to uphold for our children. What examples are we exhibiting with our language and the way we treat our spouses? Do we lead our families in a way which values immediate or eternal gain? Friends, I admonish you: learn from Esau’s error. It’s not worth the heartache. Determine to use sound judgment today. Others are counting on us — don’t let them down.