The Road Not Taken. "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood ..." In this poem, Robert Frost calls to our attention the impact that a single decision can have on the rest of our lives.

Success In Life. How much success we achieve in life depends on our ability to make right decisions, and that ability depends upon our knowledge and understanding. Have you ever said, "If only I had known ... If I had had better knowledge, I could have made a better decision." Timing is often a key factor in decision-making. A driver goes into a skid on an icy highway. He has only seconds to respond, and his decision may very well determine whether he comes out of the skid or goes over the embankment.

Early Decisions In Life. For the first several years of our lives, decisions are made by our parents. An important part of parenting is teaching our children good decision-making skills. We reach the time in our lives when we are accountable for our own decisions, and those decisions determine not only how we live this life but also where we will spend the next.

What Moses Refused. "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ..." (Heb. 11:24). This single decision of Moses changed the entire course of the rest of his life. In refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, he was refusing 1) Earthly Praise. Moses was refusing the glory and honor of being a prince in Egypt, the kind of position many folks spend their lives pursuing. 2) Earthly Power. We have no way of knowing what position of power and authority Moses might have attained as the grandson of Pharaoh, but surely he would at least have been in Pharaoh's cabinet. The desire for power and authority is a strong drive in many. 3) Earthly Pleasure. Moses could have remained in Egypt and enjoyed the pleasures available to the nobility of the day (Heb. 11:25). Many devote their lives to the pursuit of pleasure. 4) Earthly Possessions. Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt (Heb 11:26). Egypt was one of the wealthiest nations of the day. Much had been accumulated while Joseph was governor of Egypt. Many give their lives in pursuit of earthly possessions.

Some Things Moses Accepted. Not only did Moses refuse a number of things most folks pursue, but he also accepted some things most folks would refuse. In the single choice he made to leave Egypt, Moses was accepting 1) A Life of Sacrifice. He was giving up the luxury, the security, the power, and the honor of being a prince in Egypt. In the decision to become a Christian, we, too, must deny self (Matt. 16:24) and present our bodies a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). 2) A Life of Suffering. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. For forty years he suffered the instability and downright rebellion of the children of Israel. Contrary to the preaching of many today, Jesus never promised a life of ease, but rather that his disciples would suffer, just as He had. 3) A Life of Self-Denial. In the decision Moses made, he was denying himself of all the joys and comforts of Egypt. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself ..." (Matt. 16:24). 4) A Life of Service. Moses could have stayed in Egypt and been served, but he chose God and became a servant. The Christian is called to serve (Matt. 23:11; John 13:14-15).

The Wisdom Behind The Choice. Moses made his choice based on 1) The Right Faith. Moses heard and responded to the Word of God. That same faith, which comes from hearing God's Word (Rom. 10:17), is available to all today. Moses also had respect for 2) The Right Reward (Heb. 11:26). To be a follower of Christ one must have respect for the spiritual blessings He promises. 3) The Right King. Moses "endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Heb. 11:27). Through the eye of faith, we, too, can see Him who is invisible.

Did Moses Make The Right Choice? That question must be answered in view of spiritual values, and in view of eternity. Only those who recognize the value of spiritual things, and the vastness of eternity, will make the same decision Moses did, the decision to be a servant of the Most High. Decisions Do Determine Destiny. -3281 Rosedale Rd, Shock, WV 26638-8410. Phone: 304 462-0384 ghmiller@rtol.net sanet.com

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