The Power of Faith: Choosing Lasting Joy Over Temporary Pleasures

Moses, a man of great faith, made a remarkable choice in his life. When he had grown up, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Instead, he chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Moses understood that there was something far greater than the treasures of Egypt. He considered the reproach of Christ to be of greater worth, for he was looking to the reward that awaited him.

This passage from Hebrews 11:24-26 highlights the powerful impact of faith in Moses' life. Faith propelled him to leave behind the temporary pleasures of sin and pursue something far more valuable. It teaches us a valuable lesson about the nature of faith and its insatiable hunger for lasting joy.

Faith, at its core, is not content with fleeting pleasures. It desires something more profound and enduring. It yearns for joy that lasts forever. The word of God affirms this truth, saying, "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). Faith, therefore, refuses to be swayed by the deceitful allure of sin. It perseveres in its pursuit of maximum joy.

The role of God's word in our lives is to nourish and satisfy our faith's hunger for God. It serves as a guide, leading us away from the deceptive taste of lust. Lust, initially, tempts us with the illusion of satisfaction. It tricks us into believing that we would miss out on something significant if we were to choose the path of purity. But faith equips us to fight against these deceptive lies.

When we pick up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we discover powerful truths that combat the allure of lust. We learn that it is better to gouge out our eye than to indulge in lustful desires (Matthew 5:29). We understand that focusing our thoughts on what is pure, lovely, and excellent leads to the peace of God (Philippians 4:8-9). We grasp the reality that setting our minds on the Spirit brings life and peace, while setting them on the flesh leads to death (Romans 8:6). We recognize that lust wages war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11) and that the pleasures of this world can choke out the life of the Spirit (Luke 8:14).

But perhaps the most captivating truth we encounter is the promise that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). When we choose purity and seek after God's heart, we are not deprived of joy or satisfaction. On the contrary, we are granted the privilege of seeing God and experiencing His goodness in our lives (Matthew 5:8).

As we pray for our faith to be satisfied with God's life and peace, the sword of the Spirit carves away the sugarcoating of lust's poison. We begin to see it for what it truly is – a temporary and empty counterfeit of true joy. Through the grace of God, its alluring power is broken, and we are set free to pursue the abundant life that faith in Christ offers.

In conclusion, Moses' choice to forsake the fleeting pleasures of sin in favor of the reproach of Christ serves as a powerful example of faith in action. It reminds us that faith is not satisfied with temporary pleasures but seeks after lasting joy. God's word plays a vital role in nourishing our faith and weaning our hearts off the deceitful taste of lust. As we meditate on its truths and pray for our faith to be satisfied with God's life and peace, we can overcome the allure of sin and experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking in obedience to Christ.

So, let us follow in Moses' footsteps, choosing to prioritize the eternal rewards of faith over the temporary pleasures of sin. Let us trust in God's promises and allow His word to shape and strengthen our faith. And as we do so, may we experience the abundant life and joy that come from knowing and following Him.