Abode
Psalms 26:8-12 KJV
(8) LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
(9) Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
(10) In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
(11) But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
(12) My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
It all comes down to where you want to live. It can be where the lights are always on, the water comes out of the tap, everything is clean and well kept, and the temperature is maintained by heat or ac. Or, it can be where the opposite is true or threatening. You might think it’s all about the place and where you’re choosing to live, but the place of habitation really has much more to do with who you choose to hang with. The place just follows. Where the honorable is honored, the dwelling is well, but where the dishonorable is honored, the dwelling will fall or has already fallen.
I’ve never had the privilege of hanging out at the White House, (although my sister just went there this last week) but I’m sure there is a certain standard that’s required for people to even get through the gate leading up to the house. This may vary somewhat based upon who is occupying the office of the President at the moment, but generally thieves and unruly people with any kind of criminal record or appearance thereof will have a difficult time getting anywhere close. It is an awesome structure in itself, but what has really set it apart from any other structure that might even be larger or more extravagant is the person who occupies it, the President. There has even been a certain aura left be each of the Presidents that have occupied it as they’ve been honored for their office or position. To really hang out there for more than just a paid tour, it will have something to do with your relationship and associations. You may have some acquaintances from a group that engages in sinful or unlawful activities, but in order to go to the White House, it will need to be that you aren’t grouped together with those that would bring dishonor to the one who is the reason for its existence. There will have to be choices made throughout life that will cause you to either be gathered together with the mischievous and dishonest sinners that are prohibited from entering the home of the honored, or qualify you, by your associations, to be a part of a group that is seen as acceptable, safe and worthy.
To abide in the Secret Place of the Most High and to love and appreciate His habitation will first of all require redemption and mercy. No matter how close to perfection we are, it will always fall short of the pure holiness that is required, and we’ll ever be in need of the amazing grace that will qualify. However, for those that would actually live in the place of His presence there will have to be a choice of Him over other associations in life that dishonor the King. Entering His courts will require praise, but it will also demand a departure from living with those that are directly opposed to His nature and His righteousness. Touching the world is one matter, but living there and loving it is another. Where there is greater love for the Honor One, there will be a desire to be there in His congregation, honoring and worshiping Him at the gathering time. Where you’ve chosen to be and to live will always be a significant indicator of who you’ve chosen to honor. To honor and fellowship with Him is to honor and fellowship with those who are also seeking to please Him. His house is a full family house where every member is there because of Him and a choice of Him over any other restricting association.
