Jacob wanted what Esau had so badly that he was sneaky and made a deal with his brother. Jacob’s coveting led to all kinds of problems in his family. Things were so bad he had to leave home and go live somewhere else. He was wrong to grab for his brother’s rights as the firstborn son. He should have relied on God to give him what he needed.
It’s too bad Jacob didn’t know about Jesus’ stern warning: “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. People do not get life from the many things they own” (Luke 12:15). If you live for getting more things, you’ll never know the overflowing joy and inner peace Jesus provides. When you love God with all your heart, he will fill you with godly desires. People who spend all their time getting more money and things will seem silly to you because you’ll be enjoying an exciting relationship with God.
God doesn’t want us to compete with our brothers, sisters or anyone else. The Bible says we should live our lives to please God, not people. If you compare yourself to people, you will always be upset and discouraged. If you value being popular with people more than pleasing God, you will not be happy. There’s always someone else who has more things, more talent and more popularity.
God wants us to take care of what he has given us. The Lord told Jacob’s mother that his older brother would serve him. Whether or not Jacob knew this, he should have been happy to serve his older brother. Jacob should have waited for God’s plan to unfold. Even when we know God’s will, it’s easy for us to try and make things happen on our own.
Remember the story Jesus told of the poor woman who gave two copper coins? Jesus said she gave more than the rich people because she gave all her money (Luke 21:1-4). Eternal life is a free gift we receive by faith in the Lord Jesus, but God rewards those who serve him with what they have. Take what God has given you and use it to glorify him.
Think About This: A relationship with God is far more important than owning anything in this world.
Memorize This Truth: "Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have" (1 Timothy 6:6).