THE ESAU SYNDROME

Main Scriptures: Heb.12:14-17

More Scriptures: 1Cor.10:23, 1Cor.6:12, Ps.119:11

Have you heard of the Esau syndrome or read the story about him in the Bible? If you have not, I encourage you to read the Scripture in Hebrews chapter 12 because it has become the undoing of many husbands.

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you will never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome; trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing-but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. (Heb.12:14-17) MSG

Any husband who wants to be good and godly must cultivate the lifestyle of self-discipline. And any godly husband who cannot sustain a self-disciplined life will lose his relevance to his wife, children, the society and God. As the representative of Jesus Christ in your sheepfold, you must continually be on your guard and ensure that you don’t slip into complacency through careless relationships, conversation and living. Esau was a hard worker. He was diligent and did everything right. But in a moment of unguarded appetite for food, he exchanged his dignity for food. Though he had the food but he lost his honour. That is what you must not allow in your sheepfold. That your wife offended you is not the reason why you should seek sexual relations with another woman. That a woman is offering you a good job and position so that you can satisfy her sexual urges does not justify why you should take the job offer. As the head of your family and the spiritual leader in your home, it is not all things that appear godly. This is why the Scripture warns that not all things are permissible (1Cor.6:12). That decision you want to take against your sheep may seem right but if you act on it you may destroy your life and that of your wife, children and sheepfold. That offer from that woman, man or friend that looks enticing may lead to the loss of your sheep if you accept it.

So, how do you overcome the Esau syndrome? Firstly, you must be posterity conscious. You must stay focused on the prize that is set before you. You must ask yourself if what you are about to do will bring you closer to Jesus Christ or farther away from Him. Secondly, you must allow the word of God to gain root in your heart. The more of God’s word you take into your spirit, the less your desire to compromise your righteous stand. Thy word have I hid in my heart so that I may not sin against thee (Ps.119:11). The word of God is powerful and it empowers you to say no when you need to.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to have control over my appetite for food, sex and material things.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, let the power of the Word gain total control of my spirit, soul and body.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, teach me to say no to wrong offers.

FAITH CONFESSION 

I receive the power from God to refuse to compromise on my righteous stand as the godly man, husband and father because I am committed to remaining the goodly and godly husbandman to my sheep in Jesus Name. Amen.

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