Indifference
An irreversible choice
Today, I want to share some thoughts with you about indifference. Sometimes, this indifference is inextricably linked to a decision that is irreversible—a choice whose consequences can never be undone.
A tragic mistake
A story that has always deeply affected me is that of Timothy Evans. In 1950, this man was convicted and executed in England for the murder of his wife and daughter. Evans had an intellectual disability and struggled immensely to articulate himself. During the interrogations, the pressure completely overwhelmed him, causing him to make contradictory statements that were fatally misinterpreted.
The police essentially ignored his confused and conflicting testimony. He was convicted and hanged. Years later, his neighbour, John Christie, was revealed to be the true killer. But by then, Timothy Evans’ death was already a stark reality. His innocence was eventually proven, but he was gone.
This tragic error, where an innocent man was unable to convincingly prove his innocence and subsequently lost his life, was a key factor in Britain abolishing the death penalty in 1965. The negligence of the police had caused a fatal and irreversible mistake.
The price of a bowl of stew
Another story that is equally irreversible is that of Esau. This is an ancient and tragic account of a hunter, a tough man who loved the here and now. He and his twin brother, Jacob, were complete opposites. Jacob was called a ‘heel-grabber,’ a shrewd and calculating type.
One day, Esau came home hungry from the hunt. He caught the scent of Jacob’s lentil stew and exclaimed, “Man, give me some of that stew!”
Jacob, knowing he was not the firstborn and therefore not entitled to the birthright, saw his opportunity. That birthright meant not only a double inheritance but also the leadership of the family and the divine blessing promised to Abraham and Isaac. It was a holy, spiritual blessing, for the Messiah was to be born from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and later, Jacob.
“I’ll gladly give you the stew,” Jacob replied, “but first, you must sell me your birthright.” It was a trade that seems almost laughable: a bowl of stew for an entire inheritance.
Indifference with far-reaching consequences
Esau was impulsive and indifferent. “Ah, what does it matter?” he thought. “I’m about to die anyway. What good is this birthright to me?” Without a second thought, he swore an oath, and as the Bible says, “So Esau despised his birthright.” It’s unbelievable: a bowl of stew proved more important than God’s blessing.
Later, when their father Isaac was dying and wanted to bless his sons, Jacob, through deception, stole Esau’s blessing. Esau pleaded with his father for the blessing, but it was too late. The Bible states that he sought it with tears, but the decision was final. His regret was the direct consequence of a choice he had made long before.
A warning for us
These stories force us to pause and reflect. Sometimes, we too choose such a ‘bowl of lentil stew’—the temporary and worldly things—over our spiritual inheritance. We indifferently think, “Oh, all that fuss about faith, just forget about it.” We trade the promises and blessings of God for money, status, or career. Our calling or our desire to serve Him fades into the background. Work, status, and material possessions take precedence over our faith, our family, and even our prayer life.
It might also be that we somewhat hide our faith. “What value is my opinion to my colleagues?” or “They’re really not interested in what I have to say.” In doing so, we exchange the task God has given us for a bowl of stew. This also applies to fleeting pleasures, entertainment, or relationships that alienate us from God. We think, “It’s not that bad, is it? I should be allowed to enjoy myself once in a while.”
Irreversible effects
These dangerous choices can have irreversible consequences. Your heart can harden; you become less sensitive to God’s voice. The habits you’ve built up seem impossible to change. You think, “Never mind, I don’t feel like breaking that addiction or changing my character anymore.” Then you come to the painful realisation that your heart has become hard and far from God.
But never forget: God’s grace is infinitely great. Yet, the Bible also warns us to make a good choice in time, a choice we won’t regret later.
A personal question
My question to you, and to myself: How about the lentil stew in your life? Are you trading the values God has placed in your life for something temporary?
If you do, you might later feel regret, and the tears may roll down your cheeks. But by then, it will be too late, and you will discover that the choice is irreversible. Let us, therefore, be vigilant. Guard your birthright that God has given you in Christ. For in Him, we have received the inheritance. As the Bible says: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Let us not make the same mistake as Esau. He exchanged his blessing for a bowl of stew. Let us not trade our birthright in the Lord Jesus for earthly matters that ultimately bring no blessing to our lives.
The Lord bless you as you ponder this thought.
@ Wim van Putten