How can we prioritize eternal rewards over earthly treasures in our daily lives? Hebrews 11:26 – Moses chose greater wealth “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.” What Moses did • Weighed the shame of following God against the splendor of Pharaoh’s palace • Declared Christ-centered “disgrace” richer than Egypt’s gold • Fixed his gaze on the future reward God promises Why eternal rewards surpass earthly treasures • Earthly riches vanish – “What is seen is temporary.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) • Heavenly treasure remains – “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:20) • Eternal rewards are personally prepared by Christ – “I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” (Revelation 22:12) • Rewards are proportionate to faithfulness – “Each will receive his wages according to his labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8) Daily habits that aim the heart toward eternity • Start mornings in Scripture, letting texts on eternity recalibrate priorities (Colossians 3:1-2) • Budget with heaven in view: tithe first, give generously, spend last (1 Timothy 6:18-19) • Choose simplicity over status symbols; contentment frees resources for kingdom work (Hebrews 13:5) • Invest time in disciple-making; people are eternal, possessions are not (Matthew 28:19-20) • Welcome ridicule for Christ rather than compromise for applause (Luke 6:22-23) • Track acts of unseen service; the Father “who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) • Speak of eternity in conversation, keeping it vivid for yourself and others (2 Corinthians 5:11) • End each day reviewing choices: Did they echo Egypt or eternity? (Psalm 139:23-24) Guardrails against the pull of materialism • Memorize warning passages such as Luke 12:15 and James 4:13-14 • Set giving goals that increase with income, not lifestyle • Schedule regular fasts—from spending, social media, or food—to loosen earthly grip • Surround yourself with believers who celebrate generosity more than accumulation • Keep visible reminders (photos of missionaries, note cards of promises) where money is handled Encouragement when sacrifice feels costly • Present sufferings are “producing for us an eternal glory” beyond comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17) • Even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name “will certainly not lose its reward.” (Matthew 10:42) • God records every faithful deed – “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Eternal inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) Living today with tomorrow’s reward in mind Moses exchanged Egypt’s vaults for Christ’s verdict: “Well done.” When daily choices echo that exchange—seeking Christ’s approval over culture’s applause—earthly treasures lose their shine, and eternal rewards grow brighter, guiding every step until faith becomes sight. |