PROFANITY

 The conventional meaning of profanity to all of us is “to treat something (sacred) with abuse, irreverence, contempt; or to debase by a wrong, unworthy, or vulgar use” - Miriam-Webster dictionary. We’re more familiar with the second part of the definition, so we call someone profane when he/she makes ‘dirty’ utterances, especially those that are offensive and  sexual/sensual. However, I want to introduce you to another kind of profanity the Bible talks about in Hebrews 12:16. I call it ‘Esau’s Profanity’. You’ll soon realize profanity is broader than what we already knew. 

Esau’s Profanity

Esau simply exchanged his birthright for food. It wasn’t as simple as it may seem to us now. In Esau’s culture, his birthright was his authority and advantage as a first son. It was divinely recognized and sanctioned as such. His future wealth and advantage largely depended on it. However, he let it go because of a temporal need - hunger; it made him desperate. Howbeit, the trade for this instant but temporal satisfaction caused him fortunes.

Esau’s profanity is therefore the desire and trading of future rewards for instant satisfactions. It could be the ostentatious spending of income that could have been investment for better returns in the future, or the instant sexual gratification (as in fornication) at the expense of the future pleasures of a glorious marriage.

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Besides the sexual perspective of profanity, I want you to see profanity beyond sexuality. Anything you do now because of your ‘carnal cravings’ that may have adverse effects on its intended or rightful benefits in the future is profanity. "Then we can say that the event that lead to the fall of man was profane", one may wonder. Yes, technically we can, because Adam and Eve ate the fruit when they desired the instant provision of the ‘wisdom’ the devil promised Eve (Genesis 3:5-6) at the expense of the relationship they had with God which was better. I know by now you’re well aware of the outcome of their decision. They ruined the intended benefits of the relationship they had with God for an instant desire for the devil’s promise. Profanity isn’t only about one’s language or sensuality; it goes deeper to form part of your desires for fleeting pleasures of the present, at the expense of better future advantages.

See, there can be thousand and one examples from the Bible to explain this. But the base-line still remains - do not sacrifice future pleasures/benefits that are relatively permanent for momentary pleasures. Those pleasures are like the devil’s promise to Eve. Otherwise, your act can be classified as profane. Let’s all learn patience and self control in everything that concerns our future. Esau’s profanity is not the way to go!

May the Lord mend our nets!

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