Temporary Pleasures

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Wednesday, March 26, 2008

" 'Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.' " —Luke 12:21

There is a story in the Bible about a man named Esau who gave up everything for a little temporal pleasure. As the firstborn, Esau had been given the family birthright, which meant that he would one day be the spiritual leader of his family and would be in the ancestral line of the Messiah. But Esau didn't seem to care much about that.

One day, his brother Jacob came along and proposed a trade: Esau's birthright for some stew that Jacob was cooking. It sounded like a good deal to Esau at the time. Later, he realized how cheaply he had sold out. But it was too late.

Esau had no regard for spiritual things, and there are a lot of people like that today. They could care less about God until they are in a bind or until some tragedy hits. Then suddenly, miraculously, they have time for God. Then when the crisis is past, they return to their old ways.

Jesus spoke about a farmer whose crop had produced generously. The farmer decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones to store everything. That way, he could say to himself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!" (Luke 12:19)

But God said, "You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?" (Luke 12:20)

Are things on this earth more important to you than treasures in heaven? Everything you may hold dear will be left behind one day. And the only thing that will matter is what is waiting in heaven for you.

Used with Permission