Christians are not perfect, just forgiven. Their imperfections manifest themselves in the games they sometimes play. At a conference I heard the British Bible teacher Selwyn Hughes suggests these:

* 'Let's gossip while we pray!' (getting attention by disclosing special information).

* 'I'm only trying to help' (which masks a patronising superiority complex).

* 'What's wrong with the way it is?' (don't put me into a position where I have to face change).

* 'Let God do it' (and then I don't have to get involved in messy issues).

* 'Now I've got you!' (oneupmanship by one who believes they are a divinely -ordained critic).

* 'What's to cry about now?' (if I haven't got a problem I won't get attention).

* 'Yes, but' (no one can tell me what to do).

* 'What if I weren't here?' (I am involved in so much, I need to be needed, and be seen doing everything. Have you heard of the Baptist who wouldn't be baptized by immersion because he couldn't be out of sight of people for a single second!).

Seriously, these examples of 'deficit motivation' are some of many games Christians play. Can you think of some others?

Playing games like these is childish, Lord. Help me to recognize the dishonesty involved here and grow up. Amen.