“He considered the reproach of the Christ [that is, the rebuke he would suffer for his
faithful obedience to God] to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt; for he
looked ahead to the reward [promised by God].” Heb.11:26 AMP.
One of the marks of a matured Christian is he esteems earthly things lightly when
compared to the heavenly things. Many born-again Christians make decision without
considering the implications of those decisions on their spiritual life and progress. They
are more likely to take a job, a shift or relocate to a new place because of the pay or
other temporal benefits even if this will negatively impact their relationship/fellowship
with God. Consider what Moses knowingly gave up in other to follow God.
A spiritually matured believer will place his spiritual well being before any other thing no
matter the cost. Apostle Paul was another believer who demonstrated this virtue when
he left all to follow Jesus. “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the
infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything
else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” Phil.3:8 NLT. One man of God
said that if you have never bumped into Satan, it is likely because you are headed in the
same direction. Following God will require us swimming up stream. It is easy to swim
down stream but swimming upstream will require you facing resistance. Though we are
in this world we are not of this world. You cannot be a friend of this world and still
please God (James 4:4). God’s instruction is that we should not be conformed to this
world. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Rom.12:2 Our values must be different from that of the world if we are to please God.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Do not interpret the Word of God by your circumstances. Interpret your circumstances by
the Word of God.