Making Better Decisions

Life is full of choices. Unfortunately, we do not always make the right choice. Moses is a great example from which we can learn principles of how to make better decisions. We read in Faith's Hall of Fame, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward" (Heb. 11:24-26). Let us note these principles that will help us make better decisions. Our choices must be based upon the following.

That Which Is Best According To God's Plan For Us

When Moses was 'come to years [became of age NKJ]' points to a time when Moses exercised faith in his own behalf (in contrast to the faith of his parents, Heb. 11:23). About 40 years of age at this time (Acts 7:23 cf. Ex. 2:11), Moses exercised his faith by refusing what most people would have loved, being known as Pharaoh's daughter's son! Think of the potential prestige and luxury that such a relationship would involve. Yet, Moses refused. His faith here presupposes a firm conviction in God's purpose for him. Like Moses, our decisions must be based upon "What is God's will for me at this moment in my life?" Like Moses, we must be able to deny self (Mt. 16:24-25). What is God's will for us? As children, we must obey our parents (Eph. 6:1). As husbands and wives, we have God-given responsibilities (Eph. 5:22-29; 1 Cor. 7:1-5). As Christians, we have responsibilities (Mt. 6:33; Col. 3:17). Thus, our decisions must be in harmony with what will help us to be what God truly wants us to be at our present stage in life. Any decision that interferes with this is a bad decision.

That Which Is Best For The Faithful People Of God

The Hebrews writer portrays the contrast between the decisions facing Moses. He had the choice either to "suffer affliction with the people of God" or to "enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Which would we choose? Moses chose the former because, among other things, it was best for the faithful people of God. In the text "suffering" is given no time restraint as is the "pleasures of sin," which are but "for a season" (Heb. 11:25). For Christians in this life, suffering can occur at any moment and may last as long we live in the flesh (2 Tim. 3:12). However, there is a paradox: suffering persecution with God's people actually results in pleasure for eternity (cf. Mt. 5:10-12; 1 Pet. 4:12-16; Rev. 2:10). Compared to eternity, our suffering here is only for a short time (2 Cor. 4:17-18). To stay in Pharaoh's court would have meant the enjoyment of sin-pleasures for Moses, and even worse, he would have been turning his back on God's people. Others, like Joseph and Daniel, were to work among royalty, but such was not God's plan for Moses. Are we willing to take our stand for what is best for God's people, even if it means suffering for us? Moses had much to lose in the eyes of the world, but there is great blessing and solidarity in suffering together with the people of God (Jn. 15:18-20). When we are faced with decisions, let us think what is best for the people of God, for we are all in this journey together.

That Which Is Most Rewarding In Eternity

Moses could see beyond the here and now, realizing that the pleasures of sin would not last. Moses considered the "reproach of Christ" to be of more value than the "treasures of Egypt" (Heb. 11:26). Suffering abuse for Christ is superior to worldly treasures (Rom. 8:17). Moses recognized that there was more to life than material wealth (Mt. 6:19-21; Lk. 12:15). The use of "Christ" in Moses' time accomplishes two purposes. First, it implies that all the sufferings of God's people are linked with suffering on behalf of Christ. Since God's ultimate plan culminates with Christ, any who have suffered for God's will, even in the Old Testament, have in this sense suffered for Christ. Second, it encourages God's people to keep the faith despite the suffering they must endure (cf. Heb. 12:1-3). Moses also knew God's law of sowing and reaping. The Greek word translated "had respect [looked NKJ]" means to look, to keep one's eyes on, to give one's attention to. "Reward" literally means the payment of wages. This Greek word occurs in only two other places, where context determines whether the "reward" is desirable or not (Heb. 2:2; 10:35). Moses focused his attention on what lay ahead of this life! We must realize that our decisions now have consequences, some of little meaning, others of eternal weight. Let us look beyond the here and now, and base our decisions on the "reward" (Rom. 6:23).

Brian Kenyon