The List

             Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

          Think about it. We have been justified. At least, we could be justified if we stopped insisting that our justification be based on our merits. We have peace with God, or could have peace if we stopped throwing temper tantrums. We have gained access into grace if we’d only stopped acting like we are the ones doing God the favor. And while we’re supposed to boast in the hope of the glory of God, we’re posing for selfies.

          Now, I’ll admit that we have some great examples of glorying in our suffering. There are lots of people who seem to delight in telling you how much they’ve suffered, or that they’ve suffered with someone else who has suffered, and therefore how much we owe them, even if they aren’t the ones who suffered. And if we’re confronted about our behavior, it’s not our fault. If God, or if “they” did what they’re supposed to, everything would be fine.

          What I’ve said above is likely to get a negative reaction. We aren’t like that. You may not be, but I am. And I don’t know anyone who wanders around praising and glorifying God with great gusto 24/7. Or even 16/7. Or even 1/7 or 1/1. Our lives are much more focused on the stuff going on in and around us. That’s the stuff that seems to demand our attention.

          To be honest, if we look in Scripture, we don’t find too many people who too much time praising God. David is one exception. I think Paul may be another. Others may have their moments, and perhaps we fall into their category. This season, when we have some truly magnificent music (and I’m even hearing some at work! It’s not all “Santa Baby” and “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”!), can we work on a habit of singing along, even if it’s just in our hearts? Can we stop and admire the beauty of snow? And praise God for it, even if it means getting out of bed just when it's getting warm, getting dressed and going out to clear the end of the driveway before the plow wake turns to ice?