“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.” Hebrews 11:24-26

I have underlined two words in the passage above for emphasis. If we were to make a chart with Moses’ options, one side would ‘pleasure’, the other side would have ‘suffering’. The pleasure side, however, would also have ‘sin’, while the suffering side would have ‘with the people of God.’

How did Moses choose between these two options? Because God had graciously given him the gift of faith, Moses esteemed (considered, judged) that the temporary pleasure of Egypt’s sin and treasure was like counterfeit money when compared with the treasure of Jesus Christ. Be sure, there is a pleasure to sin! There is a strong allure to that which really does give pleasure. But the reality is, sin doesn’t only give pleasure. It’s sweet tasting poison eventually turns bitter and enslaving.