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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Commit to Living by My Values

In review of Hebrews 11:26 it says, “[Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (NIV).

Today’s verse is Hebrews 11:26 where I see the example of Moses thinking it was better to suffer for the promised Christ than to own all the treasures of Egypt. For he was looking forward to the great reward that God would give him.

What I’m learning is that true wealth is eternal. Consider today's world, how many got where they are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle? In the life to come, the last will be first only if they got in last place by choosing to follow Jesus. Therefore I’m reminded to not forfeit eternal rewards for today’s temporary benefits. Like Moses, I too must be willing to make sacrifices now, for greater rewards later.

Over the past few days I’ve looked at some resolutions to live my life by: The first resolution: Is to choose to be who God wants me to be. The second resolution: is to choose short-term pain for long-term gain. And then Moses also gives me a third life-shaping resolution: choose God’s values, not the world’s. And that’s why God used him and will use me.

Hebrews 11:26 says, “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (NIV). Moses made a value judgment and clarified what mattered most to him.

So what matters most in my life? What are my top values? Am I able to name them easily? For me, the top values I want to live my life for are: integrity, humility, generosity and purpose.

If I don’t decide what’s important in my life, then others will. They’re going to push me into their mold. And I’m going to live my life by their values, not mine.

So today I will decide what’s most important for me, integrity, humility, generosity and purpose and then live by them.

Bottom Line:
Better to suffer for Christ than own great treasures today. Look ahead to the better long lasting reward.

What this means to me:
Look ahead to a great reward, for it is better for me to suffer for the sake of following Christ than it is to own all the treasures of this world.

In summary, it's better to suffer for the promised Christ than to own all of the treasures of this world. There is a greater reward in eternity than what is offered in this life. Therefor I need to be willing to make sacrifices now for something much greater later. From today forward I will choose to be who God wants me to be, choose short-term pain for long-term gain and choose God's values, not the worlds. My top values to live by are: integrity, humility, generosity and purpose.

Thank you Father for the life you’ve given me and the ability to know you and participate in what you are doing in this world. Currently I’m not sure what your ultimately up to in my life, but I do know that you have presented me with challenges I didn’t think would be coming my way when I asked for a change in my job. As I wrote yesterday, I’m going to have trouble, trials and pain in life. But if I choose to do the hard and right thing right now and put in the effort and the discipline to learn, to grow, to become strong and mature, then later in life I’ll get reap the benefit from it. Today.

I pray this morning Father that you give me wisdom and guidance to live a life of integrity, humility, generosity and of purpose. Help me lead those around me and help me to respond rightly and in a loving manner to others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!

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