Stop Negotiating with God
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.”
I appreciate a story theologian Miroslav Volf shares in his book, Against the Tide. Volf reminds us of a particular moment in the movie “Amadeus.” Volf reminds us of the second-best musician of the age, Antonio Salieri. Salieri negotiates with God when he says, “‘Make me immortal!’ What will God get for doing him the favor? ‘In return:' says Salieri, ‘I vow I will give you my chastity - my industry, my deepest humility, every hour of my life. And I will help my fellow man all I can.’ Salieri is offering God a deal: I'll sacrifice for you, and in return you’ll fulfill my desire for immortal glory.” Salieri assumes negotiation is something we can do with God.
Negotiation is a common mistake faithful people often make throughout their lives. Then, when God doesn’t respond to their negotiation, they blame God. Volf reminds us of how ridiculous negotiation is with God. He points out: We do not have anything God needs or even wants. This means we have no negotiating power. Once we realize our position, we are left in even more profound despair.
It is in our weakness that God comes to our aid. Negotiation isn’t the way, and compassion is the way. Volf continues, “God delivered them for the simple reason that God had heard their cry of affliction, kept the promises made to their ancestor Abraham, and, through deliverance and faithfulness, wanted to manifest divine glory in the world.” Negotiation isn’t even necessary. What is essential is sharing our joys and sorrows and our hopes and fears to God, trusting God will hear and respond.
As you remember from the movie and the history books, Antonio Salieri died a bitter person. When the world isn’t working out the way you planned, do not attempt to hold onto control through negotiation with the Almighty. Instead, trust God enough to turn your concerns to the Divine ear and believe God has your best interests at heart. When you believe in God’s ability to care and do what is in the best interest of all concerned, you can live a life of integrity and die without the bitterness of Antonio Salieri.
