"Second place is just the first loser!"

Sound Familiar? The fact that we as Christians are so ready to buy-in to these rationalizations for bad behavior is distressing.

I recently experienced a new level of self-righteousness in this context when I found myself bargaining with God. I offered to accept the consequences of my failures and weaknesses (like I have a choice) if he would protect those I love from the effects of my actions.

Don't get me wrong; there is no excuse for not working at everything we do with all our heart (Col. 3:23), but we must be careful to not confuse God's curious workings with our own interpretations of success and failure.

We believe that God hears our prayers. We believe that he has the power to prevent bad things (or loses). We believe that he always acts in our best interest. Then why do we respond so differently to defeats than we do to victories? We all are guilty, but we should not justify it. Rather, we need to recognize it as a fundamental disagreement with a decision made and action taken by the Creator of the Universe. In a word, rebellion!

An angry navy captain was arguing on the radio with another about which of their vessels should have to change course to avoid a collision. He finally thundered "We are a powerful battleship," and demanded the other change course or "countermeasures will be taken." The frustratingly gently voice simply replied, "We are a lighthouse. Your call."

Either God is in charge or He is not. Your call.

Being thankful IN all things is a good step; being truly thankful FOR all things is a giant leap toward intimacy with God.