Life is a series of choices, not chances. Every day, whether we realize it or not, we are making decisions that shape our joy, our growth, and our destiny. True joy isn’t found by chasing emotions or circumstances—it is the byproduct of wise, God-centered choices. Some choices may seem small in the moment, but over time, they carve the direction of our hearts and the legacy of our lives.
Here are the seven crucial choices that determine whether we live burdened by regret — or lifted by joy anchored in God’s purposes:
1. Will I choose to serve God or mammon? – Who rules my life?
Matthew 6:24 (NIV) “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” —
Mamōnas (μαμωνᾶς) — Transliteration of the Aramaic word “mamona” (מָמוֹנָא), meaning wealth, riches, property. It is not originally a Greek word, but a borrowed term from Aramaic used during the time of Jesus, especially among the Jewish people under Roman rule.
What Does “Mammon” Mean?
- Literal meaning:
➔ Mammon = material wealth, money, or possessions. - Broader implication:
➔ In Jesus’ usage here, Mammon is personified — treated almost like a rival master or deity. - Historical use:
➔ In Jewish rabbinic literature, “mammon” was often a neutral word simply meaning wealth or possessions — it could be used positively (righteously stewarded wealth) or negatively (idolized riches). - In Matthew 6:24:
➔ Jesus presents Mammon negatively: not just wealth itself, but the spiritual power wealth can exert over a heart, demanding loyalty, trust, and service — the way a false god would.
Thus, Mammon is a personification of materialism and the love of money — money elevated from a neutral tool into a master and idol.
“The moment wealth begins to rule the heart, it becomes a god, and it is either God or Mammon, never both.” A.W. Tozer
| Mammon | Aramaic term for money, riches, material possessions. |
| In Matthew 6:24 | Mammon is personified as a rival master to God. |
| Implication | It represents not just wealth, but the spirit of materialism—the trust, devotion, and worship people wrongly give to money. |
| Theological Insight | Money itself is neutral; the idolatrous love of money is what Jesus warns about. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:10) |
“Mammon is not just money. Mammon is the materialism that enslaves the heart and competes with God for our trust and delight.” – John Piper
Everything begins with the throne of our hearts. We either serve God, who satisfies all our deepest needs and desires, or mammon, which enslaves us in a never-ending cycle of want and dissatisfaction. Choosing God means anchoring our life on eternal worth, not temporary wealth; it requires us to cultivate a relationship built on faith, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment rather than the fleeting pleasures offered by material possessions. As we redirect our focus towards divine truths, we find a profound sense of peace and contentment that transcends the superficial allure of riches and enables us to live a life enriched by purpose and service to others.
- Wealth is a good servant but a terrible master.
- When money occupies the center of our security, identity, or hope — it becomes Mammon.
- We must use money, but worship God — not the other way around.
🔹 Cross References:
- 1 Timothy 6:10 — “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…”
- ➔ Money isn’t evil by itself, but love and trust in it corrupts the soul.
- Luke 16:13 — Jesus repeats the same teaching about God and Mammon almost exactly word-for-word.
- ➔ Showing the centrality of this warning.
- Matthew 6:21 — “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- ➔ Money captures the heart when it becomes a god.
Martin Luther: “Mammon is the most common idol on earth. He who has money and property feels secure, but God is forgotten.”
Application:
1. Break Mammon’s Power Through Generous Giving
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
“Honor the Lord with your wealth…” — Proverbs 3:9
- Why: Giving is a direct assault against the love of money. Every act of generosity dethrones money from our hearts and reaffirms God as our true Master.
- How:
➔ Tithe consistently.
➔ Give cheerfully to people in need, the church, and missions.
➔ Cultivate the habit of giving before asking, “How much do I have left?”
2. Anchor Your Security in God’s Promises, Not in Possessions
Philippians 4:19 “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
- Why: Money can create a false sense of security, but only God gives unshakable peace.
When we rest in His promises, not our possessions, Mammon loses its fear-based grip. - How:
➔ Daily declare Scriptures about God’s provision (e.g., Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:33).
➔ When financial anxiety rises, immediately turn it into prayer and trust, not panic.
3. Pursue Contentment as a Weapon Against Greed
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…” — Hebrews 13:5
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6
- Why: A heart satisfied in God resists the endless craving for more.
Contentment starves Mammon and feeds a joyful, grateful spirit. - How:
➔ Practice daily gratitude: thank God for what money cannot buy (peace, salvation, relationships).
➔ Regularly assess: Am I seeking more stuff or deeper satisfaction in God?
Two masters call for your heart— one with golden chains, the other with arms of grace. Mammon dazzles for a moment, then enslaves; God may ask for surrender, but He gives you life. You cannot bow at both altars. One leads to hollow striving; the other to everlasting joy. Choose the Master who gave Himself for you. Choose the One whose riches never fade.
2. Will I choose to trust God or trust myself? Where do I place my confidence?
Humanity’s fall did not begin with mere disobedience—it began with pride. In the Garden, the serpent enticed Adam and Eve with a lie rooted in self-exaltation: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). At its core, sin is the rejection of God’s authority in favor of self-rule—the belief that we know better, that we can live independently of our Creator. This same spirit of pride resurfaced at Babel. The people united not to glorify God, but to glorify themselves. “Let us make a name for ourselves,” they said, as they attempted to build a tower reaching the heavens (Genesis 11:4).
Their ambition was not architectural—it was theological. They weren’t just stacking bricks; they were erecting a monument to human self-sufficiency. The tower symbolized humanity’s effort to reach heaven without God, to establish greatness apart from divine guidance. And God responded by scattering them and confusing their language. Why? Because pride always leads to division, confusion, and distance from God.
Pride still whispers to us today: “You don’t need help. You don’t need limits. You don’t need God.” It urges us to trust our own instincts, build our own towers, and secure our own future—apart from the One who holds it all. But this path is deceptive. While it may feel empowering at first, it ultimately leads to anxiety, disillusionment, and spiritual emptiness. Only when we humble ourselves, recognizing our need for God, can we be restored to the kind of life we were created for—a life of trust, dependence, and flourishing in relationship with Him.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
In a fallen world, human understanding is broken—tainted by sin, pride, and fear. Scripture warns that self-reliance breeds ruin, while trust in God produces peace, wisdom, and security. Trusting God means more than handing Him our fears—it means yielding our logic, our plans, and our timing to His far greater wisdom. This isn’t a denial of reason but an acknowledgment that our reason is limited; only God’s perspective is perfect (Isaiah 55:8–9).
To trust is to surrender control—accepting that God’s ways are higher, even when we don’t understand. Faith thrives in humility. And in those moments of uncertainty, when our plans fall short, God’s promises become our anchor. Confidence in Him turns anxiety into assurance and striving into surrender. True purpose and fulfillment are found not in self-confidence, but in God-confidence.
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Our Confidence in God Instead of Ourselves?
Letting God Reign in Our Lives
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The Bible repeatedly calls us to trust in God’s wisdom over our own. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us not to lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways. Trusting God means we surrender control, recognize His lordship, and prioritize His will above our personal agendas. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 that when we make God’s kingdom and righteousness our primary pursuit, everything else will follow in its rightful place. Letting God reign means living with open hands and a yielded heart.
Why Is This Important? Because Self-Reliance Leads to Frustration, but God-Dependence Leads to Fulfillment
When we trust in our own strength, we operate from a limited perspective. Our wisdom is flawed, our strength is temporary, and our understanding is often clouded by emotion, fear, or pride. The story of Babel shows us what happens when humans try to build their lives without God—confusion, disunity, and collapse (Genesis 11:4–9). On the other hand, when we trust in God, we are aligning ourselves with perfect wisdom, unshakable truth, and eternal purpose. It’s not weakness to depend on God—it’s wisdom.
What Are the Benefits? Peace, Provision, Purpose, and a Firm Foundation
- Peace – Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Provision – Matthew 6:33 reminds us that when we put God first, “all these things”—our needs—will be met.
- Purpose – Trusting God leads us to live for something greater than ourselves.
- Foundation – Matthew 7:24–25 speaks of the wise man who builds on the rock—trusting God’s Word creates stability even in life’s storms.
When God reigns, we are no longer tossed by every fear or pressure. We walk in assurance, guided by His Spirit and strengthened by His promises.
3. Will I live by faith or by sight? – What guides my daily walk?
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
To live by sight is to let what we see, feel, or understand define our reality. It’s a way of life driven by natural reasoning, emotional reactions, and tangible outcomes. The problem is, sight-based living anchors us to an unstable foundation—because the world around us is always changing. Circumstances shift, emotions fluctuate, and what feels logical today may fall apart tomorrow. When we live by sight, we are ruled by appearances, comfort zones, and a need for immediate clarity. This kind of life often leads to anxiety, hesitation, or compromise, especially when the road ahead is uncertain.
But to live by faith is to walk in step with God’s unseen hand, guided by His promises rather than our perceptions. It’s not blind optimism—it’s anchored trust. Faith chooses to believe what God has spoken, even when it hasn’t yet come to pass. It resists the pull of fear and over-analysis by clinging to the unchanging character of God. Living by faith is not denying reality—it’s interpreting reality through the lens of divine truth. Faith says, “I don’t see it yet, but I believe God is working.”
Living by Sight:
- Reacts to fear, facts, and feelings
- Depends on comfort, control, and guarantees
- Seeks instant results and visible confirmation
- Stays stuck when the outcome is unclear
- Measures progress by what is seen, not what God has said
Living by Faith:
- Anchors itself in the unchanging Word of God
- Moves forward even when the path is foggy
- Believes God’s promises before they are fulfilled
- Waits in hope, not panic
- Chooses obedience even when it doesn’t “make sense”
Romans 8:24–25 (NIV) — “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Paul reminds us that hope and faith live in the tension of the not yet—the space where we believe before we receive, obey before we fully understand, and wait with expectation rather than anxiety. That’s the realm where spiritual growth happens.
To live by faith is to listen more to God’s voice than your own fears.
It’s to take the next step even if you can’t see the whole road—because you trust the One who leads.
Faith Determines How We Interpret Reality
Faith is more than belief—it is a lens. It shapes how we see, understand, and respond to everything around us. Just as a pair of glasses can clarify or distort vision, our faith—or lack of it—determines how we perceive reality. What we believe about God affects how we process pain, how we make decisions, and how we endure seasons of waiting, suffering, or success.
Without faith, reality is interpreted through a lens of fear, scarcity, and control. Problems feel overwhelming, delays seem like failures, and the unknown breeds anxiety. But when we walk by faith, we view life through the promises and purposes of God. Faith doesn’t deny what’s visible—it redefines it. It sees God’s hand behind the scenes, His wisdom in the waiting, and His goodness even in hardship.
For example:
- When challenges arise, sight says, “This is the end.” But faith says, “This is a setup for something greater” (Genesis 50:20).
- When provision runs low, sight says, “There’s not enough.” But faith says, “My God will supply all my needs” (Philippians 4:19).
- When we face rejection or failure, sight says, “You’re unworthy.” But faith says, “I am chosen, called, and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12).
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) — “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11 is a gallery of people who reinterpreted reality by faith—Abraham left home without knowing where he was going, Moses forsook the palace for a desert, and Noah built a boat in dry land. Their actions didn’t make sense by sight, but they made perfect sense by faith.
In other words, faith redefines what is possible. It filters every moment through the character of God: His sovereignty, His goodness, and His faithfulness. Faith teaches us to ask not, “What do I see?” but, “What has God said?”
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
To live by faith and let faith guide our daily walk means making decisions, responding to challenges, and shaping our attitudes based on trust in God’s character and His Word—not merely on what we see, feel, or understand in the moment. Here’s a deeper look at what it means:
1. Faith Becomes Our Compass
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Living by faith means allowing God’s truth to direct your steps even when the path isn’t clear. You don’t just react to life—you respond in light of who God is and what He has promised. Faith keeps us moving when logic says stop, when fear says retreat, and when doubt says quit. Like Abraham, we “go without knowing” because we trust the One who leads (Hebrews 11:8).
2. Faith Produces Obedience Before Outcomes
James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith isn’t just belief—it’s movement. It takes action based on trust, not outcomes. We obey not because the situation is favorable, but because God is faithful. Living by faith means saying yes to God today, even before the result is visible tomorrow.
3. Faith Reframes Our Daily Struggles
1 Peter 1:6–7 – “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Faith doesn’t make life easy—but it makes life meaningful. It gives context to suffering, purpose in waiting, and hope in hardship. It redefines trials as tests, not punishments. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to trust God more deeply.
4. Will I live to serve or to be served? – How do I approach others?
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45 (NIV)
This single verse turns the world’s idea of greatness on its head. In a culture that celebrates status, recognition, and power, Jesus modeled something radically different: servanthood. He, the King of Kings, chose the towel over the throne, the cross over the crown. He didn’t demand honor—He displayed humility. He didn’t grasp for privilege—He poured Himself out for others.
To live for service is to follow in the very footsteps of Christ. Service is not just an action—it’s a posture of the heart. It flows from love, fueled by humility, and expressed through self-giving.
Philippians 2:3–7 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves… taking the very nature of a servant.”
This kind of life resists entitlement. It says, “I am not here to be the center—I am here to contribute, to bless, to build up.” In contrast, when we live to be served, we become consumers of people rather than builders of relationships. We measure our worth by how others treat us instead of how we reflect Christ to them.
Galatians 5:13 — “Serve one another humbly in love.”
True freedom in Christ leads not to self-indulgence, but to selfless love. We don’t serve out of obligation—we serve because we are loved and called. Service becomes a joy, not a job.
Why Service Matters
1. Service Is the Posture of True Greatness
Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured not by how many people serve us, but by how many people we serve. Jesus redefined leadership and significance by putting on a towel instead of a title. He taught that the highest calling is not self-promotion, but self-giving.
To serve is not to be less than—it is to be most like Christ. Service is not weakness. It is strength under control, love in motion, and purpose in action. The proud seek to rise above others; the great stoop to lift others up.
“The measure of a man’s greatness is not the number of servants he has, but the number of people he serves.”— John Hagee
2. Self-Centeredness Leads to Frustration, Comparison, and Bitterness
When we live with a “What about me?” mindset, life becomes a scoreboard of personal wins and losses. We measure our value based on recognition, reward, and results. This self-focused approach creates:
- Frustration when expectations go unmet,
- Comparison when others seem to succeed more,
- Bitterness when we feel overlooked or underappreciated.
In the end, self-centeredness isolates us from others and distances us from the heart of Christ.
3. Servanthood Leads to Joy, Purpose, and Transformation
- Philippians 2:3–7 — “In humility value others above yourselves… taking the very nature of a servant.”
- Galatians 5:13 — “Serve one another humbly in love.”
When we live with a “What can I give?” mindset, everything changes. Servanthood frees us from the pressure of performance and the prison of pride. It opens our eyes to needs beyond our own and fills our lives with deeper meaning.
Through service, we discover:
- Joy that doesn’t depend on recognition,
- Purpose rooted in eternal impact,
- Transformation as we become more like Jesus.
Matthew 10:39 — “Whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.”
The more we pour out in love, the more God fills us with life.
5. Will I choose to give or just want to receive? – What is the posture of my heart?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Choosing to live as a giver transforms your inner world. Why? Because giving shifts the focus away from self and opens the heart to love, gratitude, and joy. We were not created to hoard blessings, but to pass them on. When we give—whether time, encouragement, forgiveness, or resources—we align with God’s nature. God is the ultimate Giver, and to give is to walk in His likeness.
Those who live only to receive eventually feel empty. The more they get, the more they need—because receiving alone doesn’t satisfy the soul. But those who choose to live as givers find a joy that doesn’t come from getting more, but from becoming more. Giving enlarges your soul, expands your vision, and deepens your sense of meaning. It transforms you from a reservoir—where water is stored and stagnates—to a river—where water flows and gives life. And rivers, not reservoirs, bring refreshment wherever they go.
A heart that only wants to receive becomes inward, small, and eventually stagnant—constantly seeking but never satisfied. But a heart that delights in giving grows wider, deeper, and richer. It becomes a channel, not just a container. Such a heart lives open-handed, not tight-fisted—trusting that God will always replenish what is poured out in faith.
The Joy of a Giving Heart
A generous life isn’t just a blessed life—it’s a joyful one. The posture of your heart in giving determines the quality of your joy. When you give not out of pressure, pride, or performance—but out of gratitude, love, and trust—you enter into a joy-filled way of living that reflects the very nature of God.
1. Joy Comes from Refreshing Others
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25
When you live to give, you become a source of refreshment to others—and in turn, God promises that you will be refreshed. That’s where the joy begins: in knowing your life is making a difference. Generosity lifts burdens, breathes hope, and awakens hearts. And there is no deeper satisfaction than knowing that God has used you to bring life to someone else.
Joy is born when your life becomes an answer to someone else’s prayer.
2. Joy Comes from Experiencing God’s Overflow
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…” — Luke 6:38
The posture of giving opens the door for you to experience God’s generosity in return. And this is no ordinary return—it’s overflowing, abundant, and beyond expectation. When you give from the heart, you step into the joy of knowing that God sees, rewards, and multiplies every seed sown.
Giving fills you with joy because you’re living in the flow of God’s abundance—not just receiving it, but participating in it.
3. Joy Comes from Pleasing God and Walking in His Grace
“God loves a cheerful giver… And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times… you will abound in every good work.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7–8
A cheerful giver is a joyful person because they give from a heart of freedom, not obligation. And when God’s love meets your cheerful giving, He pours out His grace abundantly. The joy here comes not only from what God provides, but from knowing that your life is pleasing to Him and useful in His hands.
There is no greater joy than knowing you’re living out your purpose—with God’s favor resting on you and His grace flowing through you.
A heart that gives will always overflow with joy, because:
- Joy is found in giving life to others (Proverbs 11:25)
- Joy is multiplied when God returns more than you gave (Luke 6:38)
- Joy deepens when you know your giving pleases God and aligns with His purpose (2 Corinthians 9:7–8)
“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.” — Randy Alcorn
6. Will I live to be blessed or to be a blessing? – What is my life mission?
“I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” — Genesis 12:2 (NIV)
This question isn’t about how much you give—it’s about who you’re becoming. Am I living just to enjoy the blessings of God, or am I becoming a person through whom God blesses others?
In contrast to Point 5, which asks about the posture of the heart—selfish or generous—this point asks about your core identity and purpose. Giving is what we do, but being a blessing is who we are becoming.
God didn’t just bless Abraham with wealth, influence, and a future. He gave Abraham an identity—“You will be a blessing.” In other words, “My blessing upon you has a mission beyond you.”
Many believers stop at the first half of the promise—“I will bless you”—and never grow into the second: “You will be a blessing.” When we live just to be blessed, life becomes self-focused, shallow, and ultimately unfulfilling. But when we embrace the call to be a blessing, our lives take on eternal weight and holy purpose.
“The question is not, ‘How can I be more blessed?’ but ‘How can I be more useful to the kingdom of God?’”— Elisabeth Elliot
Why Living to Be a Blessing Brings Deeper Joy and Purpose
1. It gives you identity — You are a vessel of God’s blessing
“I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” — Genesis 12:2 (NIV)
This foundational promise to Abraham reveals a core truth: God’s blessing is never meant to stop with us—it’s meant to flow through us. You weren’t just saved to sit—you were called to contribute. Seeing yourself as a channel rather than a container changes everything.
When you embrace the identity of a blessing-bearer, life becomes about mission, not just maintenance. Joy grows when your identity is rooted not in what you have, but in who you’re becoming—a vessel of divine purpose.
“Your life is not about accumulation—it’s about distribution.” — Rick Warren
2. It defines your mission — Your gifts are meant to serve
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Every skill, resource, experience, and spiritual gift you possess was entrusted to you with purpose. You weren’t meant to sit on your gifts—you were meant to sow them. When you live to bless others with what God has given you, you step into the joy of fruitful stewardship.
This is where joy deepens: in seeing your gifts multiply in the lives of others, bringing healing, hope, and change.
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” — Winston Churchill
3. It magnifies your impact — Your life brings glory to God
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Living to be a blessing brings lasting joy because your life becomes a beacon. Every act of love, service, and generosity reflects God’s character and draws others closer to Him. You don’t just bless people—you point them to the Source of every blessing.
The joy of bringing glory to God far surpasses the joy of receiving glory for ourselves.
“We are never more like God than when we give.” — Charles Swindoll
Don’t just count your blessings—become one.
NOTE: Distinction between Point 5 and Point 6
- Point 5 (Give vs Receive): Focuses on the action — am I generous or selfish?
- Point 6 (Be Blessed vs Be a Blessing): Focuses on identity and purpose — do I live merely to enjoy blessings, or do I see myself as a channel to bless others?
➡️ Giving is what we do; being a blessing is who we are becoming.
7. Will I live for eternal rewards or temporary pleasures? – what future am I investing in?
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Every day, whether we realize it or not, we are making investments—of time, energy, attention, and affection. The real question is: what are we investing for? Are we chasing temporary pleasures that fade like mist, or are we living for eternal rewards that will echo into forever?
The world invites us to indulge in the now—comfort, popularity, success, material gain. But eternity whispers a different invitation: to live for what lasts, to sow into souls, truth, righteousness, and love—the things that will never pass away.
Paul’s command in Colossians 3:2 isn’t about escapism; it’s about alignment. He is urging believers to root their values, decisions, and dreams in eternity. Why? Because what you focus on will shape who you become, and ultimately, what you will receive.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot
Why Living for Eternal Rewards Brings Greater Joy and Purpose:
1. What You Build in Eternity Can Never Be Taken From You
Matthew 6:19–20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
When you invest your time, energy, and resources in eternal things—like loving people, serving faithfully, and sharing Christ—you’re building a legacy in heaven. These investments are untouchable by time, circumstance, or decay.
Joy flows from knowing that your efforts are never wasted. You’re not just chasing what fades—you’re building something that will last forever.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” — C.T. Studd
2. Sacrifice Makes Sense When You See What Truly Matters
Hebrews 11:26 “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”
Moses chose eternal impact over temporary comfort. Why? Because his eyes were fixed on the reward that mattered most—God’s approval and purpose. He wasn’t giving something up; he was trading it for something better.
When you know your sacrifice has eternal meaning, it gives you strength, courage, and joy even in difficult seasons. You no longer live for comfort—you live with purpose.
“If you aim at heaven, you get earth thrown in. If you aim at earth, you get neither.” — C.S. Lewis
3. Anchoring Your Heart in the Eternal Brings Clarity to the Present
2 Corinthians 4:18 “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
When your heart is set on eternity, you see today differently, you gain clarity and peace. You’re not overwhelmed by every shift in circumstance. You’re not controlled by what others chase or fear. You are centered, grounded, and secure—because you’ve attached your soul to what cannot be shaken.
There is joy in knowing your life is anchored in the eternal—not tossed by trends, approval, or possessions. You become stable, content, and deeply satisfied.
“The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.” — Goethe
Living for eternal rewards brings deeper joy than any temporary thrill.
Why? Because eternal things don’t fade, fail, or disappoint.
They leave a legacy. They please God. They satisfy the soul.
Closing Statement:
Your life tomorrow will be the harvest of the seeds you plant today.
Every choice we make—whom we serve, whom we trust, how we live, how we give, and what we live for—is shaping not just our circumstances, but our very soul.
God invites us not just to exist, but to live joyfully, meaningfully, and eternally.
- Choose Christ over mammon.
- Choose trust over self-reliance.
- Choose faith over fear.
- Choose service over self-interest.
- Choose generosity over greed.
- Choose to be a blessing, not just to seek blessings.
- Choose eternity over passing pleasures.
Every day, every decision is a chance to choose joy—the kind of joy that nothing and no one can take away. So, choose wisely. Choose boldly. Choose eternally. Choose joy.
budi hidajat 