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A Taste for Worldliness A Taste for Worldliness

A Taste for Worldliness

The word worldly is often used today to describe a person who is sophisticated or refined in their tastes. But the biblical meaning of this word is something quite different. Worldly in Scripture is synonymous with “ungodly.”

Hebrews 12:16 characterizes Jacob’s brother, Esau, as a worldly or profane person because he did not value his birthright. Instead of regarding it as a legacy from God and a token of divine promises made to His forefathers Abraham and Isaac, Esau treated his right to this inheritance as if it were something insignificant. When Jacob offered to purchase the family inheritance with a bowl of lentil stew, Esau agreed with an oath (vv. 29–33).

Did Esau think that Jacob was merely joking? Did Esau believe he would eventually be able to win it back? The story suggests that Esau didn’t think at all. He ate the meal and walked out without giving his rash vow a second thought. In so doing, he became the prototype of the person “whose god is their belly” (Phil. 3:19).

Esau eventually regretted this decision (see Gen. 37:36). But it was too late. We often criticize Jacob for his scheming, and other texts examine his character flaws more fully. But Scripture also lays blame on Esau. The fact that Esau did not value his inheritance indicated that he did not value the things of God. When he finally apprehended its true worth, it was too late. Esau had carelessly traded away what was most precious.

An old hymn asks, “Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?” The implied answer to the question is “No!” Do we value the things that God values? Or are we willing to trade our spiritual inheritance for immediate gratification?

Pray with Us

In conclusion of our prayer time for Moody Publishers’ Fulfillment, please add James Tran, Junico Arroz, Matthew Tran, and Michael Alcazar to your list. Ask God for strength and divine protection at the warehouse as they handle heavy loads.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.

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