Us miserable wretches

I’m taking a small detour from ToB-type stuff. We’re starting a Lenten Sunday sermon series on the Beatitudes, the “happy are those who” statements, so I thought I’d make up a “miserable are we who” list. Have any to add?

Miserable are we who are always grasping for something else, for we will not live in the joy of contentment.
Miserable are we who make demands upon others, for we will not know peace.
Miserable are we who are angry without love, for we have to live in this body.
Miserable are we who seek fame, for we will not know the joy of being praised by the only one who matters.
Miserable are we who are seeking great experiences, for we can’t enjoy what’s in front of our faces.
Miserable are we who are vain, for it makes us ugly.
Miserable are we who glory in our own character, for we can’t see beyond our noses.
Miserable are we who do things for show, for we will not be loved for who we really are.
Miserable are we who are worried about what others think of us, for we won’t have much fun.
Miserable are we who are humorless, for we take the world too seriously.
Miserable are we who use others, for we will not receive love from them.
Miserable are we who hold grudges, for we will not understand forgiveness.
Miserable are we who are ungrateful, for we will not experience the love in thankfulness.
Miserable are we who look for scapegoats, for we will not have self-awareness.
Miserable are we who complain, for we can’t sing.
Miserable are we who are critical, for we can’t see God’s kingdom in front of us.
Miserable are we who are judgmental, for we will not embrace others.
Miserable are we who live for ourselves, for we won’t be with Jesus.
Miserable are we who approach others with suspicion, for we will not see God.

May God forgive us and give us the grace to cling to the One who only can save us from such a tormented life.