Monday, November 2, 2009

Choosing by Faith based on Value

All right, it has been a while. I have gotten the business from a few folks and so I thought I would get in the blogging game once again. We began a series in the life of Moses here recently and I could not help but be impressed with what decisions He made at a critical time in his life. Many of you are familiar with those mentioned the hall of fame of faith in Hebrews 11. Moses made the list. We read in Hebrews 11:24-27 these words "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible."

When one ponders in the circumstances that this decision was made in and the consequences associated with the decision, one cannot help but conclude that his faith was truly remarkable.

Moses recognized something that we as God's redeemed children must recognize in order to make similar decisions with respect to the will of God. The reproach of Christ is greater riches than any temporal pleasure the world system offers. Do you believe that? It is not likely that you can relate fully to what he gave up and how he suffered for Christ. It is difficult to think in these terms because our objectives tend to revolve around what is before us in time and does not take into account the eternal.

His decisions, like ours, were and are the result of what he and we esteem has value. To him there was no comparison. The reproach of Christ trumped all other temporal pleasures and riches. He is in the hall of fame of faith for reason. He had his eye on the prize. He knew what really had value and pursued it by faith, regardless of personal sacrifice. The world system does not nor could it value such a pursuit.

What is directing your choices? The answer is your value system. We always make time and choose according to what we feel is important in both the short and in the long term. (not what we SAY is important). So, how does your values system fair when compared to Moses and what the Word of God says has true value? Do you have your eyes on the prize. This is no different than the other saints that has been used by God. This is merely following the mindset of our Savior "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2. The time is short. Only one life will soon be past -only what is done for Christ shall last. Let me encourage you to walk by faith as Moses did and choose to do God's will for God's glory.