Resisting the Temptation of Riches
Moses was tempted with worldly riches and honor (Hebrews 11: 23-27). He grew up in Pharaoh’s own palace in Egypt. At that time, Egypt was a world empire. Pharaoh’s daughter “nurtured him as her own son” (Acts 7:21) and she offered him all the attractions of life. He had every opportunity of success, honor and education.
“And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). The enticements of glory was all around him for 40 years. All the wealth of Egypt, the service of the subjects, the splendor of its court and the power of the throne, were at his command.
His choice lay between the throne of the world’s greatest empire and association with a race of slaves. But the scripture say that Moses rejected present honor, riches, and power because of his confidence in the eternal destiny God had prepared for him and his people. To all appearances nothing could be more pointless than to hope for such a dream, since the Hebrew people were slaves to the strongest nation on earth. Only faith in the promises of God could have led him to refuse the throne of Egypt.
Moses’ eyes were fixed upon the promises of God. Like Paul (Philippians 3:7, 8), Moses voluntarily exchanged the extravagant glory and power of the present life for the less obvious invisible promises of the Lord. This eternal reward, one that could be seen only with the eye of faith, appealed more to Moses than the more immediate, material rewards that accompanied the throne of Egypt.
We, too, are faced with the such temptations. It may be the decision to let go of ungodly relationship or a questionable career opportunity that requires compromising one’s faith in God. In short, living the Christian life may mean the radical decision of letting go of worldly pursuits (Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:51-53).
The Lord gives His children all the power necessary to overcome the temptations of the world so that they can proclaim, “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). There is no temptation so strong, that it cannot be overcome through Christ. For the One who loved us enough to give Himself for us is even now living in us to continue the work of our salvation (Galatians 2:20). Therefore, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Thus, the believers may say, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
