I was thinking about…

Finding Gratitude, Not Superiority

By Andy Lee

Recently I came across a take critiquing the old phrase “there but for the grace of God go I.” The author asserted it promoted a superior, holier-than-thou attitude – essentially stating “I’m so much better off because God graced me, unlike those poor unfortunate souls.”

With all due respect, I cannot disagree more vehemently. To me, uttering those words directly aligns with the biblical command to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It conveys humility – a recognition that even in difficult seasons, I have reasons to be grateful because by God’s grace alone, my situation isn’t even worse than it currently is.

That lingering part of the verse merits exploration too – “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” To me, this suggests that expressing thankfulness, no matter our circumstances, represents an act of obedience and spiritual maturity that God desires for all believers. An acknowledgment that He has purposes beyond our limited visual horizons.

See, I don’t interpret the phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” as a self-aggrandizing comparison putting myself above others visibly enduring more intense struggles, trials or hardships. The whole point is flipping it into a perspective of empathy – an acknowledgment that any of our circumstances could easily devolve into similar or worse afflictions absent Divine grace and mercy sustaining us.

Because let’s be real – we all hit those valleys where life’s pressures feel utterly overwhelming, whether externally or internally. Seasons where simply persevering through each punishing new day feels like a miracle in itself. You look around at other people’s lives and think “Wow, I really took so much for granted before circumstances got so bleak like this.”

That’s precisely when utterances like “there but for the grace of God go I” hold maximum resonance for me. Not as a proclamation exalting my innate superiority over somebody else’s misfortunes. But rather the opposite – an acknowledgment that any sense of having risen above this present hell could easily be snatched away without warning absent Divine grace sustaining.

Because whether depression, addiction, health crises or any number of afflictions assailing mental/physical/spiritual wellbeing…aren’t we all just flawed humans teetering permanently one step from utter collapse sans God’s intervening hand? Nobody ascends through sheer self-effort from life’s abysses. We all desperately need unmerited slivers of light cracking through despair’s vortex periodically.

So that refrain paradoxically comforts during angsts through realizing “Hey, things may feel hopeless in this moment, but I’m still breathing, still standing – proof that Providential mercies yet remain at work.” It’s gratefulness kindling resilience to trust that any tide, no matter how mercilessly it currently batters, must eventually recede if we simply cling to hope’s lifeline.

Just as Scripture counsels giving thanks in ALL circumstances knowing that any positive flickers at all, no matter how faint right now, confirm God hasn’t forsaken nor rescinded lovingkindness. And if He’s keeping me going through these dim spaces, no matter how precariously…well that sure humbles any notions I’ve got perseverance nailed through unaided self-reliance!

So next time you hear that old saying, don’t misread it through jaded lenses. The whole point remains humbling ourselves before shared human condition, empathizing with afflictions Great Grace alone keeps temporarily at bay through unearned mercies and blessings still unfolding. Not self-exaltation over others, but deepened community solidarity admitting we each walk through valleys and peaks solely by Divine Providence.

Stay humble, keep rejoicing! 🙏