This post was last updated on February 20, 2026

Day 348, Year 1

Pursue the Greater Reward

“Choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26 NASB)

If we are afraid of suffering, our faith in God is in danger. What are the “pleasures of sin” of today’s verse? Moses grew up in the family of Pharaoh’s daughter. Someone might see this as his fate, or, as Christians might say, it is God’s arrangement. Was it wrong for him to be blessed in such a privileged family? Probably no. However, there are three essences here, namely the identity issue, the voice of conscience, and the feeling of pain. If Moses had not known his identity as an Israelite, he would not have left the home of Pharaoh’s daughter. But if he were a man without a conscience, even though he knew who he was and that his fellow men suffered, he might not leave his Egyptian home. He might be glad that he lived a comfortable life. However, he identified himself as an Israelite and had a clear conscience, so that the comfort of Egyptian life instead made him feel pain. Thus, that comfortable life is his “pleasures of sin”.

When we face suffering for God’s sake, we must first remember these two things: identity and conscience. Never discard your godly identity and the voice of your conscience. Although different people have different standards of conscience, we are to follow the Bible, obey the Holy Spirit, and bring our conscience close to His standards. Meanwhile, we must nurture a strong will that is unafraid of pain. This is the key to overcoming the pleasures of sin. Most likely, when Moses was in his Egyptian home, he believed that he had another authority to follow. So, he was not afraid of poverty, so that he would see “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.” He focused on the future godly rewards rather than the treasures of Egypt.

As a Chinese saying goes, poor people are usually short-sighted. But those who choose to be poor are often for greater visions. Spiritual poverty not only makes us willing to be humiliated for God’s sake, but also gives us rewards in the future. For Christians, afflictions in this world are for the eternal reward. This is the law of biblical success. Moses and his parents were not afraid of authority, humility, suffering, or poverty, but looked only to God’s words for protection. This is their secret to faith in their success. Contrarily, as we grow spiritually, we must also progress courageously on the godly path with identity, conscience, not afraid of pain, and strong faith in God.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you willing to give up the pleasures of sin on earth? If not, what are your reasons?

2) From the identity of God, your conscience, fearless of pain, and having strong faith, which one do you need to solidify? And how could you be strengthened in the Lord in a specific way?