May 27
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking for the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26)
The more I think about this principle of focusing on the joy before us, the reward for obedience, the excitement that comes when we are victorious over sin, the more I am convinced that focusing on the positive aspects of victory are more powerful incentives for us than focusing on the pain and consequences of sin. I really hadn’t thought about it in this light until now, in preparing these daily exhortations.
Perhaps the reason for this is that rewards are stronger motivations than avoiding painful consequences. I have to confess that there are times when I am tempted that I think of not sinning as ho-hum or even boring, without much reward at all, just more drudgery. When I cannot see the prize or the reward for obedience, then the passing pleasure of sin seems more enticing than obedience. And in my flesh I can become so deceived that I sometimes don’t care what happens to me, and I greatly underestimate what the consequences might be. I become foolish and careless.
But on the other hand, if I focus on a great prize that God may give me for my obedience, something of real value to me, something more exciting and far more valuable than the sin, then I can get more excited about obedience than the sin. The passing pleasure of sin begins to fade. I can begin to fight the appeal of sin not with a fear of consequences but also with a much better thrill than the sin could ever bring. Now that seems like a powerful combination that is worth thinking about and putting into practice.
I am convinced that one of Satan’s primary goals when tempting us is to get us to NOT think about the rewards for obedience or the consequences for sinning (in the following Resisting principle we will talk more about remembering the consequences of sin). These things are exactly what he does not want us to consider.
As a path forward, can I recommend to you that you think through and write down all consequences of sin and the benefits of obedience for the sins that tempt you most (if you did not do this the other day when it was suggested)? Get creative here and think big, because just like Job or Joseph or Jesus, there may be huge rewards awaiting you for your obedience, beyond what you can imagine! Satan wants you to think that the rewards for obedience are small or insignificant, but I think we all know better. “Think and Grow Rich” in heavenly blessings as you realize the rewards for obedience when you avoid sin.