the anti-example

Hebrews 12:14-17

The key words or idea here is the idea that we are together in this. The author talks about living in peace and looking out for each other to root out the seeds of bitterness and sexual immorality. I notice that this is not just for the individual but I have a responsibility for my brothers and sisters in Christ. The author contrasts holiness with bitterness, sexual immorality and godlessness. The author equates holiness to living as part of the body (at peace, looking out for each other).
The illustration of godlessness that the author uses is Esau. I've always been somewhat mystified by God's harshness towards Esau, especially in light of the alternative choice: Jacob. However, in this context I can see it most clearly. When compared to the people who lived by faith in Hebrews 11, Esau stands in stark contrast. He had something of immense value which he sold because he could not control his physical appetite. In comparison to what the people of faith suffered and went through for the sake of the promise, Esau did not suffer at all. He was just hungry and couldn't wait to make his own lunch. In some ways, Esau had the promise in his reach because the inheritance and the blessing belonged to him. Humanly speaking, the line of the Seed would go through him. By rights, he stood to inherit the land, the seed and the blessing. He had it in his hand and sold it for a bowl of beans!
Esau stands a great warning to me. I have the promise in hand. I have received the blessing. Yet I do not value it as I should and often am tempted to trade it for little more than a bowl of beans: a moment of enjoyment, a few dollars, my reputation. I am reminded that I do not value my salvation and my inheritance nearly enough.