"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:24-27).

Moses is God's chosen servant under the Old Testament era to bring His law to His people. God called Moses from the burning bush. Previously, God's providential care had been exercised in Moses' life. Consider these seven outstanding traits in the life of Moses . . . and see if they would not be good in our own lives!

1. Moses rejected earthly glory. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Possibly, even the highest ruling office could have been his. Position often rules people. An office title can fill one with conceit. Not for Moses! Some failed to acknowledge Christ because of the loss of their position (John 12:42-43).

2. Moses made a wise choice. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. Often, trials come upon those who belong to God. Joshua encouraged people to ". . . choose ye this day whom ye will serve" (24:15). When the Jews failed to honor Christ, Paul turned even to the Gentiles. We need to make our choice for God today!

3. Moses correctly appraised riches. He esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. The lust for money is contrary to Christian principles. Jesus said, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-20).

4. Moses lived a separated life. Moses forsook Egypt. He went to Midian and served as a servant to Reuel, God's priest. It is difficult to tear one away from his homeland. Moses made the proper choice. God commands His children to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" (2 Cor. 6:17). Evil friendships will corrupt the Christian (1 Cor. 15:33).

5. Moses feared God rather than man. The Hebrew writer said Moses did not fear the wrath of the king. God is and must continue to be first in our lives! One must love God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength. We must be ready to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), even if persecution and jail awaits.

6. Moses persevered. He endured. The secret to success in any of life's endeavors is simply, "don't quit." One must endure to the end to be saved. John said, "Be thou faithful unto death" (Rev. 2:10). Many fail to make this enduring life commitment in their life. Every little obstacle is a faith-destroying incident. Much effort is expended in keeping people saved. Elders must watch for souls. People need, also, to watch for their own souls. Little difficulties ought not to cause them to quit the Lord. Paul said, "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). Keep on keeping on!

7. Moses was able to see the unseen. He saw Him who is invisible. He served God and not man. Jesus is our hope, not man. Our commitment is to Him. One can endure all kinds of difficulties, as long has he keeps his eye on his goal, Him who is invisible. Paul said, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).

Moses is a wonderful example of fidelity. We need to emulate his action in our own lives. Living as a Christian is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but the rewards are so wonderful. Don't quit!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 19, p. 596
October 2, 1986