The Value of Little-Faith’s Jewels

“It may seem foolish now,” said Christian, “but think for a moment. Who would he have pawned them to, or sold them to? In that country where he was robbed, his jewels were worthless. He didn’t need the kind of help that could be offered there anyway.”

He paused, his eyes locking with Hopeful’s. “Besides,” he continued, “if he had arrived at the Celestial City without his jewels, he would have been denied his inheritance at the gate. That would have been a fate far worse than being robbed by a thousand thieves!”

“Why are you being so harsh, Christian?” Hopeful replied. “Esau sold his birthright for a simple pot of stew, and that birthright was his most precious possession. (Gen 25v29-34) If Esau could do it, why not Little-faith as well?” (Heb 12v16)

“Yes,” said Christian, “Esau did sell his birthright, and many others have done the same, cutting themselves off from the greatest blessing, just as he did. But you must distinguish between Esau and Little-faith, and their circumstances. Esau’s birthright was symbolic, while Little-faith’s jewels were not. Esau worshiped his stomach, but Little-faith didn’t. Esau’s weakness was his physical appetite, while Little-faith’s wasn’t. Esau could only think of satisfying his immediate desires—"I am about to die," he said, "what good is my birthright to me?" (Gen 25v32) But Little-faith, though he had only a small amount of faith, was kept from such reckless behavior. He valued his spiritual treasures too much to sell them as Esau did with his birthright. Nowhere do we read that Esau had any faith, not even a little, so it’s no wonder that, with no faith to resist, his flesh ruled him, and he sold his birthright, his soul, and everything, straight to the devil. Such people are like a donkey, driven by their urges, who cannot be turned away. (Jer 2v24) Once their minds are set on their desires, they’ll have them no matter the cost. But Little-faith was different; his heart was focused on heavenly things, on the spiritual and eternal. So why would someone like him sell his treasures (even if anyone wanted to buy them) for fleeting, worldly pleasures? Would a man spend a penny to fill his belly with hay? Or could you convince a dove to feast on carrion like a crow? Though the faithless will trade their souls for earthly pleasures, those with even the smallest amount of true, saving faith cannot. And that, my brother, is where you were mistaken.”

“I see that now,” said Hopeful, “but your sharp words nearly made me angry!”

Christian chuckled. “I was only comparing you to some lively little birds, who, with the eggshell still on their heads, rush about on unfamiliar paths. But let’s set that aside and focus on the point of our discussion, and all will be well between us.”