"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
(Psalm 84:10)
Choice is second nature, considered in many contexts of American life as a right of citizenship. The ability to choose, however, is not a gift of citizenship, but a privilege of relationship with the creator God. Considering the choices before him, the Psalmist ponders his options and values what appears to be less by comparison...a day in the presence of God as opposed to a thousand elsewhere; content to be a servant doorman in the house of the Lord instead of the relative freedom of the tents of the wicked.
The cross gives the appearance of poverty and shame, yet it becomes to those transformed by it, the most cherished of symbols. The One who embraced that cross speaks of the seemingly upside-down values of Kingdom living..."What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world, yet lose his soul?" In other words, better is one day in the presence of the Lord than a thousand elsewhere.
Choice is the gift of God...choose well.
Prayer: For the freedom to choose and the choice of the cross, we give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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