By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Hebrews 11:24
The county of York had a farm that included a large barn full of cows. A little man who was employed by the county worked in the barn; his primary chores involved cleaning out the stables and disposing of the manure. When he was attending a social function one evening, he remarked proudly to someone he met that he was employed by the county. When asked what position he held, he replied, ‘I superintend the used hay department’. The poor man was like so many in this world who have a great need to have a high-sounding title. Oh, to be in Moses’ place, and be called the crown prince of Egypt! But that didn’t appeal to Moses at all.
To be the heir to the greatest throne in the known world at that time would be the most that anyone could expect from life. But Moses had his sights set higher, his values set on something far more precious, his faith based on a God of eternity rather than the temporary power and pleasures of Egypt. Moses understood the folly of sin, despite the power and glories that would be his if he accepted the title. It is the faith of Moses that causes dear saints of God to dismiss earthly praise by confessing that they are only sinners, saved by grace.
How important is a title to you? How critical is it that people know how important you are? Does it make a difference to you how people refer to you and what you are? It’s normal and natural to want to be appreciated. There’s nothing wrong with most of the titles that we receive, either. But Moses knew that the title that was being thrust at him meant forgetting about God and His people. How willing would we be to give up a title – regardless of the benefits it might bring us – if taking that title meant we would have to give up attending meetings of the Assembly or keeping company with the Christians who are close to us now?
There are some prices that are too high to pay. None of the world’s titles are ever worth separation from God’s Assembly and God’s favour. – Jim MacIntosh