What Reward Are You Seeking?

“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24–26, ESV)

Looking For The WHY

Like I mentioned in my last post, we need to check our motivations when we make a decision. We need to look at the WHY behind each option: “Why would I choose this option over the other options?”

Another WHY For Moses

In my last post, I mentioned that Moses’ WHY was his faith. He made the difficult decision by faith. 

Yet, there’s another WHY in this passage. Why did Moses choose God’s people over the pleasures of Egypt? Because he was looking for his reward (Hebrews 11:26). “[Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:26). That’s WHY he chose God’s people over Egypt. It was a better investment. 

What Reward Are You Seeking?

This is an important question to ask when making a difficult decision: “What reward are you seeking as you make this decision?”

As you weigh out your various options, make sure you consider the reward for each one. I think it’s alright to consider earthly rewards as you make a decision, but it’s far more important to consider heavenly rewards.

Easily Overlooked Question

It’s helpful to add this question into the mix because it’s one that we easily overlooked. Our natural tendency is to evaluate decisions based on earthly rewards. If a decision will help us advance in power, prestige, or wealth, we typically consider it a good option. 

Yet, when considering between two job offers, when was the last time you stopped and said, “Which of these jobs will help me receive more treasure in heaven?” or “Which one of these jobs will contribute to my crown of glory?” (1 Peter 5:4). It rarely happens. So, take some time to reflect on it. 

Seeking Heavenly Treasure

We’re told to pursue heavenly treasure. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21, ESV). Jesus is telling us to store up treasure in heaven. Seek to build it up, pile it up, and grow your investment. It’s worth the effort because it’s an eternal reward that will never fade. Why wouldn’t we pursue it? 

Treasure And The Heart

Ultimately, Jesus tells us that our heart follows what we treasure. If we treasure the things of this world, then we will soon find ourselves loving the world and not having the love of the Father (1 John 2:15). Yet, when we place our treasure in heaven, and make decisions accordingly, we will find ourselves loving God more fully. So, consider what treasure you’re seeking in this decision.