Tradeoffs

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

At first glance, this seems like a no-brainer. Why would any thinking person willingly trade an eternal reward for the temporary thrill of peer approval? But that is the root of the problem, isn’t it? Far too often we don’t stop to think about the consequences of the choices we make.

The Bible testifies to the human propensity for foolish tradeoffs. The list of examples is long and embarassing. Adam and Eve traded a garden paradise for a bite of forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Cain traded a living brother for a momentary fit of anger and jealousy (Genesis 4). Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of food (Genesis 25). Saul traded his kingdom for the opportunity to do things his own way (1 Samuel 15). David traded family harmony for a moment of sin with another man’s wife (2 Samuel 12). Solomon traded his full devotion to God for seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11). Rehoboam traded a united kingdom for a petulant power trip (1 Kings 12). Judas traded his Savior for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26).

It is tempting to look at this list and say, “Shame on them! How could they make such foolish choices?” But before I look too far down my nose at the tradeoffs they were willing to make, I should focus my critical gaze on my own less-than-sterling track record. If I am honest, I must admit that I have ignored eternal realities for temporary pleasures. I have damaged relationships because I have insisted on gratifying myself. I’ve sold out my Lord for less than silver. Upon further reflection, the words that should come to my lips are “Shame on me!”

God, please help me to learn, as Moses did, that the key to refusing “the passing pleasures of sin” is to keep “looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:25-26).

God loves you!
Mike