Article

Given the Choice …

Michael Beck

“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)

Been on both sides, but given the choice …

I’d rather be on the outskirts of God’s camp; than in the middle of the world’s excitement.

I’d rather spend a single morning with heaven’s saints; than a thousand nights with hell’s crowd.

I’d rather be in the coldest, deadest church in the land; than the hottest, liveliest club in the world.

I’d rather hear the driest sermon and most old fashioned songs of the righteous; than the best conversation and coolest songs of the wicked.

I’d rather hang with people of God, who have a thousand flaws and are difficult to be around; than people of this world, who are flawless and fun to be with.

I’d rather work through trouble, while keeping my feet in Christ’s camp; than run to and receive sympathy from the world’s scorners.

I’d rather deal with the legalism found in some church circles; than break free of God’s yoke, and fall into the license rampant everywhere in the world.

I’d rather suffer affliction with God’s people; than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

I’d rather be where two or three or gathered in His name; than where a thousand are without Him.

I’d rather be with God, and His people, in the darkest night; than the devil, and his crowd, in the brightest day.

I’d rather have not one friend, but Jesus, in the church; than a thousand friends, without Him, in the world.

I’d rather swallow whatever bitter pill God would give me; than receive what Satan serves me on a silver platter.

I’d rather have God’s “worst,” than Satan’s best…

ANY day.


Michael Beck is a pastor in the Dallas, TX area and the main author on Signpost. Receive a daily devotional he publishes every morning via email.