Yesterday it was such a privilege for me teach our Sunday School class (the 16-17 year-olds) regarding covenants, eternal marriage and the noble birthright each of us inherited through the Abrahamic covenant. First, a refresher on the Abrahamic Covenant:
Quoting from the Bible Dictionary located within the scriptures issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“Included in the divine promises to Abraham were the assurances that: 1) Christ would come through his lineage, and that 2) Abraham’s posterity would receive certain lands as an eternal inheritance . . . The portions of the covenant that pertain to personal salvation and eternal increase are renewed with each individual who receives the ordinance of celestial marriage . . . Being an heir to the Abrahamic covenant does not make one a chosen person per se, but DOES signify that such are chosen to responsibly carry the gospel to all the peoples of the earth. Abraham’s seed have carried out the missionary activity in all the nations since Abraham’s day.” Bible Dictionary, p. 602
This is a noble birthright granted unto every righteous descendant of Abraham. Consider Esau of the Old Testament (Genesis Chapter 25) and how quickly he sold his mortal birthright (double portion of the inheritance, the charge to watch over and care for his mother and sisters and lord of all Abraham’s lands). Esau sold his leadership of the tribe and the covenant blessings for a bowl of pottage and bread. How little did he treasure his birthright?
How little do we treasure ours? Do we realize we are descended of Abraham and therefore hold rights to the blessings of the covenant? Do we realize and live up to the fact that we are literal children of our Father in Heaven? Do we treasure the gospel and its precious ability to save every single child of God regardless of race, culture, nationality or religion? Do we treasure our roles in the plan of salvation? Will we sell our birthrights for a fleeting moments pleasure thereby denying ourselves that beautiful eternal reward?