Do you remember who was the doorkeeper at the last place you went? Doorkeepers are often quickly forgotten; their role is not very important to most people and so they are not often treated with respect or consideration. When we just got saved, many of us felt just like David:
"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalm 84:10 KJV). We were content with being disrespected, looked down upon, and mistreated- as long as we could remain in the presence of God. We knew that sin broke our fellowship with God and we preferred to suffer rather than to be separated from God. If we were to consider our heart's posture today, can we still say we feel like David? Or has our desire to please God diminished?
As we continue to seek the Lord in this series, it's good for us to be honest about where we have fallen short. Many of us prefer a good reputation and the comforts of this world, rather than appearing to be foolish for being holy. And as a result, we compromise to maintain pleasure and a respectable social status. But God wants us to know that everything about this world is temporary and will one day be destroyed. Even the most memorable experience will pale in comparison to a single moment in eternity.
What would it profit you to gain the whole world but lose your only soul? If suffering is the only way to maintain our fellowship with God in eternity, then let us embrace it, not try to avoid it. All of Earth's treasures and luxuries can wait; people can continue to mistreat us all they want - but let's resolve to not dishonor our God. One day, if we remain faithful to the end, we will reign with Christ for 1000 years; and we will be kings and priests unto our God! We will lack nothing! Hallelujah!
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