First Has Its Benefits
Living the Life – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 11:24-28

Key Verse:  Hebrews 11:25

He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

When we read the story of Moses, it is clear that as a young man he was “living the life.”  In our world’s view, Moses had it made.  He had been adopted into a wealthy family and was surrounded by a free and wealthy culture.  He had been born into poverty and slavery.  His Jewish heritage was serving the Egyptian people.  He knew nothing of that burden personally.  Moses grew up in the lap of luxury.

            Moses knew of his heritage and God had kept a love in his heart for his own people.  Moses finally came to a decision point.  Would he continue living the high life or rejoin his people?  We also must face this type of decision ourselves.  Being first does feel good; it has its benefits.  Moses enjoyed the good life and so will we.  The flesh loves to be pampered.

            Being second takes sacrificing the immediate pleasures of being first.  No one truly finds it easy to choose second.  Some can’t change their economic status, but God sees their hearts and knows they want to be first.  Being second has little to do with wealth or lack of wealth.  Being second is an attitude of the heart, just as first is!  Is sin pleasurable for a season?  Indeed it is!  We must look beyond the immediate to see the eternal value of being second.

Father, help me to make good decisions today when it comes to pleasures.  I want your ways not mine.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.