The "At Least" Game

We may not stand on street corners shouting prayers, but we play the Pharisee's game every day. We call it the "At Least" Game. It is how we manufacture artificial peace.

• "I may yell at my kids, but at least I don't hit them like my neighbor does."
• "I may gossip about my boss, but at least I'm not sleeping with him."
• "I may be greedy with my money, but at least I go to church every Sunday."

When we play "At Least," we are using other people’s brokenness as a measuring stick for our own holiness. It is a rigged game. You will always be able to find someone who is struggling more than you are. If you look hard enough, you can always find a "Tax Collector" to stand next to so you can feel tall.