Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than Egypt's treasures, teaching us to evaluate our decisions based on God's principles rather than worldly values. In a world that often prioritizes wealth and success, it can be challenging to make decisions that align with God's values. However, true wisdom involves counting the cost and recognizing that the world's riches cannot compare to the eternal rewards of following Christ. Moses' decision to prioritize God's principles over worldly values serves as a powerful example for us today.
Evaluating decisions based on God's principles requires a deep understanding of His Word and a commitment to living according to His values. It involves a conscious effort to prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly success. This choice may not always be easy, as it often requires us to go against the grain and reject what society deems important. However, by following Moses' example, we can find the courage to make decisions that honor God and lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. When we choose God's path, we are investing in a future that holds eternal significance, far beyond the temporary accolades of this world.
Proverbs 16:16 (ESV): "How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."
Reflection: How do you currently evaluate your decisions? What steps can you take to ensure that your choices align with God's principles?
Day 2: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Moses' decision to suffer with God's people rather than indulge in sin's fleeting pleasures is a powerful lesson in embracing the cost of discipleship. Discipleship is not a path of ease and comfort; it often involves sacrifice and suffering. Moses understood that the temporary enjoyment of sin could never compare to the deeper joy and fulfillment found in living according to God's will. By choosing to align himself with God's people, Moses demonstrated a commitment to a life of purpose and eternal significance.
Embracing the cost of discipleship requires a willingness to say "yes" to God and "no" to sin. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's pleasures over the fleeting pleasures of the world. This choice may lead to challenges and hardships, but it also leads to a life of deeper joy and fulfillment. When we choose to follow God's path, we are aligning ourselves with a purpose that transcends the temporary pleasures of this world. By embracing the cost of discipleship, we are investing in a future that holds eternal rewards and significance.
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Reflection: What temporary pleasures are you holding onto that may be hindering your walk with God? How can you embrace the cost of discipleship in your daily life?
Day 1: Choosing Eternal Rewards Over Temporary Status
In the life of Moses, we see a profound example of choosing eternal rewards over temporary status. Moses, raised in the opulence of Egyptian royalty, had every opportunity to enjoy the privileges and prestige that came with his position. However, he chose to identify with the people of God, rejecting the allure of worldly success. This decision was not made lightly; it required a deep understanding of what truly matters in life. Moses recognized that the glittering allure of worldly success is fleeting, while the rewards of spiritual integrity are eternal. In our own lives, we are often faced with similar choices. The world offers us many paths to success and prestige, but we must discern which path aligns with God's will and leads to eternal rewards.
Choosing eternal rewards over temporary status means valuing spiritual integrity above all else. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's values over the world's values. This choice may not always be easy, as it often requires us to go against the grain and reject what society deems important. However, by following Moses' example, we can find the courage to make decisions that honor God and lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. When we choose God's path, we are investing in a future that holds eternal significance, far beyond the temporary accolades of this world.
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek worldly prestige? How can you choose to prioritize eternal rewards instead?
Day 5: God's Delight in the Humble
God's treatment of smallness shows His love and care for us. He rejoices in our small efforts and sees the potential for greatness. Jesus exemplified this by coming to earth in human form, showing that even the smallest among us are worth His sacrifice. This divine perspective encourages us to embrace our smallness, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and lead us to do great things for His kingdom. By being faithful in the little, we prepare ourselves for the greater responsibilities God has in store for us.
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace your smallness today, trusting that God delights in your humble efforts and will use them for His glory?
Day 4: Vision Beyond the Horizon
Having a vision for the future allows us to see the potential in small beginnings. When we treat small things with care and respect, we prepare ourselves for the growth and opportunities God has in store for us. The Israelites, despite the challenges of rebuilding the temple, had a vision for its completion and the role it would play in their community. This vision motivated them to persevere and honor their small beginnings. By cultivating a vision for the future, we align ourselves with God's plans and position ourselves for His blessings.
"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." (Proverbs 29:18, ESV)
Reflection: What vision has God placed on your heart for the future, and how can you begin to prepare for it today?
Day 3: Embrace the Present, Release the Past
Comparison and nostalgia can hinder our appreciation of what God is doing now. By focusing on the present, we open ourselves to God's blessings and recognize His work in our lives, even in the small things. The Israelites, while rebuilding the temple, could have been trapped in nostalgia for the former temple's glory or compared their progress to others. Instead, they chose to focus on the present task, trusting in God's provision and timing. By valuing what we have now, we align ourselves with God's purpose and prepare for His future blessings.
"Do not say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." (Ecclesiastes 7:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where comparison or nostalgia is holding you back from embracing God's work in the present?
Day 2: Faithfulness in the Details
The test of smallness challenges us to be faithful in the little things, preparing us for greater responsibilities. God values our efforts, even when they seem insignificant, and rewards our faithfulness. This principle is evident in the lives of the Israelites as they rebuilt the temple, facing opposition and discouragement. Their faithfulness in laying the foundation, despite the challenges, set the stage for future growth and blessings. By being faithful in the small tasks, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and readiness for the greater things He has in store for us.
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a small task or responsibility in your life where you can demonstrate greater faithfulness today.