Well, at least I never...

​​Ever console yourself regarding your behavior, words, judgments, and/or circumstances that make you look bad by qualifying these moments with the following.... “Well, at least I am not like so-in-so."

​With these simple words, I prop up my relative goodness by comparing myself with someone I deem as more flawed than me. And just like that... WHAM BAM my life is graded on a gentle self-affirming curve. 

Using this self-affirming yardstick, let me share a few 'at least I never' moments from the Bible and today for you to measure your goodness. Are you ready?  Let’s get started.

The Old Testament

• Yes, my wife and I disagree, but at least I never...  gave her away, nor have I ever told my wife... I was saved by a prostitute
• I have not always liked my neighbors, but at least it never... became violent.
• I confess I have sometimes skipped my daily shower, but at least I never smelled like... FISH BARF

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The New Testament

• Not everyone appreciates my strong opinions, but at least no one... wants me dead (that I know of)
• I may not always listen to God, but at least He has not needed a... Blinding Light to get my attention.
• I confess I have fallen asleep in church, but at least I have never... fallen out of a church pew (yet)
• I confess to a few speeding tickets in my life, but at least I have not served... jail time

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Today

• While I am not the perfect husband, at least I never (ok rarely)... THINK OUT LOUD.
  And finally...
• I may not be perfect, but at least I am not... A MINNESOTA VIKING FOOTBALL FAN.  Sorry, the cheese that made me do it.​

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Of course, these 'at least I never' examples are only here to make you smile, as any comparison to another person is a flawed yardstick at best.

Instead, we are called to Love God with all our heart and love others, not compare (i.e., 'at least I never' ) with them.  

Also, concerning our goodness... We are not so good.
Our sins are as scarlet, He makes them white as snow. Isaiah 1:18
for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by HIS GRACE through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  Romans 3:23-24

AGAIN... all are Justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus! This is our hope and promise from God and not by comparison to anyone you are 'at least not like'.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

May God bless and comfort you with these promises of God's Grace for a repentant heart and where you no longer look to rely on any 'at least I never' yardstick. 
​

Jeff (at least I do not attend a snake handler church) Larson

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