Faithful Pain or Sin For A Season

REFERENCE:  Heb. 11:24-26 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

OBSERVATION:  What a phrase: "he chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin". Herein lies a choice we must make every single day--sometimes many times each day. Will we choose the narrow (and frankly difficult) path of self denial or give into the pleasure of sin for a season. There is no question, saying "no" to sin sometimes feels like suffering (although Paul reminds us: "you haven't yet shed any blood in your battle against sin") Yet, Moses showed us where our minds need to be in the midst of temptation; he knew that he was suffering for Christ and he knew that there was a great reward waiting for him. So should we.
As Paul reminds us; "fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith" who suffered more for you than you ever will for him. Remember that in rightousness is great reward. God promises that if we do things His way, stay on His path, then our lives will simply work better and be more blessed. We need that!!

APPLICATION/CONFESSION: The bright lights of temptation can blind my eyes if I am not careful. I need to keep my focus on Him and the reward He promises.