The choice is before us.

Years ago someone introduced me to the concept of being a happy sinner.  We might think that until we are in Heaven that the trials of this life can serve absolutely no good purpose.  We might think that until we are safely in Heaven with Jesus that our eyes should only be filled with tears for our current trials.  Surely God does not want us to take sadistic pleasure in our trials.  However, an engaged woman spends little time in gloom for not being married!  Instead she is busy making preparations because she is soon to be married to the man of her dreams!

Jesus likewise took no joy in the suffering of his cross.  But he did look beyond the suffering to the joy he would purchase.  Hebrews 12:1-3 (WEB) says,

1) Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2) looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3) For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.

Jesus endured the cross, but he did not enjoy it!  The joy he looked forward to was the eternal fellowship he purchased with us, his chosen people, and his Heavenly Father.

Let's strive to get ready, discarding the hypocrisy in our lives as we get ready to walk down the aisle with him and all of God's chosen ones.  We will not reach perfection in this life, but for his sake we strive to give him our "utmost for his highest."  Then on that awesome day our bridegroom will snap his fingers and erase all of our remaining sin, and we will walk down that aisle with him in perfect glory!