The Costly Choice That Counts

My family’s relocation to Malaysia marked an exciting adventure, particularly for my daughters, who were about to start at a new international school.

Nevertheless, as a mother, I wrestled with a deep sense of unease. They had always attended an Adventist school. In the previous Adventist school where they studied and where I taught, I knew their teachers personally and trusted the spiritual foundation they received alongside their academics. In the new environment, I was not as familiar with or involved with the educational system, and I felt concerned about the influences my daughters would face. It did not take long for us to see how challenging it would be.

Most, if not all, extracurricular activities, including sports day and concerts, were scheduled on Saturdays. However, this did not place our daughters in a dilemma because they understood the importance of keeping the Sabbath, even if it meant missing out on fun activities. On one occasion both our daughters qualified for the national level of an English Olympiad. Their accomplishment meant much to them, but their excitement turned to disappointment when it was revealed that the national finals would be held on a Saturday.

As I dropped them off at the school that morning, I jokingly suggested that they decide whether they wanted to participate in this competition.

However, deep in my heart, I prayed fervently for their decision to honor God. That afternoon they came home with the news that they had chosen to withdraw from the competition. Their decision was met with dismay and questioning from their teachers and classmates. “Why forgo such an opportunity? Can you join just this once?” they asked.

Yet my daughters stood firm, understanding that true faith sometimes demands tough sacrifices. Despite worldly pressures their choice reflected their commitment to honoring God above all else. This experience reminded me of Daniel, who faced intense pressure to conform yet remained steadfast in his faith. It is easy to profess faith without cost, but genuine faith often requires us to forfeit what the world values most.

Mark 8:36 admonishes us, “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (KJV). Are you confronted with choices that test your faith? Remember, honoring God yields a far greater reward, even if it comes at a high cost.

Vivian C. Bana