"Esau, who for a morsal of meat sold his birthright...Hebrews 12:16

Esau was a man with a lack of discipline, a man who recognised no authority other than his own. This is a basic mark of the unregenerate life.
Paul described the Ephesians before their conversion as those who fulfilled the desires of the flesh and of the mind. That is to say, the basic principle upon which they lived, was that they did what they wanted. That is the mark of the worldly man: he does what he wants. It is not the mark of the Christian, who says "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?"

Here was a man who lived a life of utter self-pleasing. I think this is probably the root of the problem in the life of the Church today. Isnt it true that the vast majority of Christians in our churches are simply living on this principle. They are pleasing themselves. They please themselves whether they go to church once or twice on Sunday. They please themselves whether they go to the prayer meeting or not. They please themselves whether they read their bible or not. They please themselves concerning the stewardship of their money. They are exactly like Esau. He did exactly what he wanted: and we are doing the same.

You remember how different our Lord was in His attitude. "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me" That was a characteristic recognised by others with any sense of discernment. You remember how the centurion said, "I am also a man under authority...." He recognised that our Lord was living under authority. That is something that is required in us by the Master. "He that harh my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me."

Very good post Stephen, society as a whole has become so self-absorbed that there seems to be a wide spread epidemic or plague of narcissism on the horizon.

There can be no close walk with Christ without carrying a cross and the religious institution is full of people who do indeed follow Christ but at a comfortable distance.

While in one way it is very discouraging to see society becoming so self-enamored it is also encouraging for those of us who know it is also the closing of an age and the beginning of another.

I am persuaded that not far beyond our current horizon a very special event is about to take place.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

While my soul may sometimes feel distraught my spirit is filled with anticipated excitement. Oh Hallelujah! Oh Hallelujah! The sight of all creation bowing before the King of kings and the atmosphere being filled with resounding joyful praise.

"It Is Well With My Soul" By Guy Penrod And David Phelps - YouTube