“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 (NRS)
Life is a kaleidoscope of choices. Some choices are easy. Other choices are difficult. Children make their choices on personal, emotional whim, but as one matures and takes on responsibility, the decisions of choice become increasingly more complex.
Let us reflect on our choices for a moment. The issues are to be considered and prioritized carefully, seasoned with prayer. What about our principles and values relative to the prospective choice? Some choices look good, sound good, and stir our desires, but they are deceptive because they are detrimental to all those affected by our choice. Note Paul’s words concerning mature knowledge: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14 NIV).
In addition, mature thinking considers faith and being on the “right side.” It may seem juvenile or even impractical to think of faith as impacting one’s choices, but mature choices are based on faith. We cannot separate our faith from our choices. Faith involves both hope and action. Our faith is shown by what we believe AND what we choose.
The faith of Moses was demonstrated by the difficult choice he made. He believed in God, so he chose to join the people of God. To join the people of God was to join God and God’s cause (i.e., the right side). Moses chose according to what was valuable to him. His future and the future of his family depended on his choice.
Dear Father, thank you for choosing us through Jesus Christ. Give us the maturity and wisdom to make wise choices in this life. Empower us with spiritual fortitude to rely on your Word and the Holy Spirit to direct our choices. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your mature choices,