I Regret That Decision

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.—Genesis 25:34

We usually want it right now. But sometimes having it right now is not better. Yet that new device, new car, and new home beckon us. Our desires and external voices tell us to get it now. Our desires tell us that we deserve it, need it, and then we rationalize it. The world tells us that if we don't have it right now, we'll be missing out. For goodness sake, we even have an acronym for this nervous feeling (FOMO—the "fear of missing out").

But you also know that a little delayed gratification mixed with a bit of self-discipline is not always a bad thing. It might be a good thing. It could even be a great idea, but often we pass right over the benefits. And when we pass over the benefits, we get conned—like Jacob conned Esau out of his right to the first blessing over a bowl of stew. Call it mischievous or even deceptive—but in the end, Esau chose momentary pleasure over a future of blessing. Stupidity. Foolishness. Idiotic. And yet, both you and I have done it. So today, don't disregard the benefits awaiting you. Don't seek immediate gratification. Have a long view of life with each decision you make. Respect what is spiritual. And for goodness sake, don't give in to your fleshly desires or listen to the world. Brother, there are great things ahead—live without regret.

DO THIS: Delay a fleshly gratification.

PRAY THIS: God, give me strength and power to see the road ahead and make the very best decisions today. God, I will not be obedient to the desires of the flesh, and I will not listen to the voices of the world. With you, I never miss out.