In Hebrews 12:16–17, God’s Word delivers a very severe warning that should make us tremble: “See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son, for you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.” When someone loves the world more than God, he is, in fact, committing spiritual adultery. That is unfaithfulness. Ironically, many Christians live like Esau: pursuing worldly pleasures and not striving to grow to partake in God’s holiness. As a result, they miss a very precious opportunity to be reconciled to God according to the true and balanced standard of reconciliation: God is holy; therefore, we too must be holy. Indeed, we cannot equal God, but what is meant is possessing spiritual intelligence and sensitivity, so that everything we think, say, and do always aligns with God’s thoughts and feelings.
When a person is still immature and newly acquainted with Christianity, he often comes to God only for miracles, material blessings, or help with various life problems. However, when someone has become spiritually mature, they are no longer centered on their personal problems. He begins to ask, “What should I do for God?” At this stage, the main concern is no longer food and drink, but souls that must be saved. He lives as Christ’s ambassador, bringing the message of reconciliation to others. But if someone remains preoccupied with worldly matters, he is grieving the Holy Spirit and may even quench the Holy Spirit, eventually blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Remember, God does not always tolerate weakness and wrongdoing, because at some point those who should be mature but remain immature will be “struck” by God. If a servant of God is humiliated by circumstances, it is almost certain that he has received repeated warnings but refused to listen. Eventually, he is “stripped naked” in public. Yet, if he were willing to change, God would surely forgive, forget, and set everything right. Perhaps some of us are still living in sin. Please do not feel safe and secure. Do not wait until God humiliates you, for we must bear accountability.
Often, people feel their lives are fine when, in fact, they are not. Everything will be accounted for in due time. On the contrary, if today we strive for God’s work, becoming poured-out wine and broken bread, we will reap beauty in due time. The world is becoming increasingly corrupt and has the power to destroy many lives. Therefore, God’s Word warns us in Ephesians 5:15–17: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Let us leave behind our love affair with the world. This will not make us strange people. On the contrary, when we dare to leave the world, the sweetness of fellowship with God will taste far sweeter. Whatever we possess will become sufficient and satisfying. Let us finish this life’s journey with only one longing, namely, longing for the Lord. This is our prayer: “Lord, I do not want to long for anything. If I may ask, I only want to long for You. I know that if I long for something else, I am betraying You. Lord, when I die, I ask You to send Your holy angels to receive me, together with those whom I love.” How beautiful such a life is. In conclusion, by shifting our desire fully to God, we embrace true spiritual fulfillment.