[When better is worse]

We all know that the enemy of the best isn't bad, but better (aka 2nd best). However, did you know that in the bible, some group of characters stubbornly chose the 2nd best despite seeing the mighty hand of God in action? Did you know only 9 and a half tribes entered the promised land of God?

Numbers 34:13-15
Moses commanded the Israelites: "Assign this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has ordered that it be given to the nine and a half tribes, because the families of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance. These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan of Jericho, toward the sunrise."

The dumbest thing is that unlikely Moses, these people were not barried from entering the promise land. Their fathers were dying to enter the promised land (pardon the pun). As for them, they just chose not to. In whole chapter of Numbers 32, while travelling to the promise land, some other piece of land caught their eye and they deemed it "suitable" for themselves. They held their horses, seeked an audience with Moses and told him, "Its ok, we shall settle down here. God's land may be better, but here's good enough for me. We're satisfied with 2nd best."

I see that common sense has been a rarity even in those days. How can we settle for the 2nd best when God has already given you the promised land!?! Its not even the case of "one bird in the hand is better then two in the bush". There isnt any uncertainty about us not able to enter the promised land. In fact, its more like "one bird in the hand now, or two birds in the hand later" concept.

We may laugh at them, but do we unknowingly commit the same mistake as them? Why? They may have chosen the wrong path, but i believe no idiot would choose a ten dollar option if the million dollar option was placed in front of them as well. There must be certain illusions or warped perspectives they have that led them to make the wrong choice.
Allow me to attempt to dissect their thought pattern.

1)They lost sight of the promise
They knew how the promised land was like. Their forefathers scouted in and described it as a land flowing with milk and honey. Along the 40 years in the desert, they lost their vision, got so comfortable with the current situation they just gave it up. Humans naturally don't like change, even if it might be for the better.

2) Lack of faith in God
They didnt believe that they would be able to enter the promised land. Had their own reservations. Might not have made it like their forefathers, thus decided to settle for the safer bet. A logical choice to take IF God might not be able to give them the promised land.

3) Impatience - Highly probable reason especially in this generation of instant gratification. They focused their eyes on what they can see immediately instead of what they will see eventually. They want the birds in their hands NOW, the number and quality of birds didnt matter as much.

"If you go hell, know why are u there. Don't end up in hell for reasons unknown."
-Jie Hui

If you are suffering for the 2nd best now, know why u made the mistake. Don't repeat it.
I know where I flawed while choosing.
Do you?