9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
This is a great example of entitlement and a lack of humility. Jesus warns time and time again of the dangers of thinking we have found the magic formula to be in God’s favour. “ for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” It made me question my own heart. Do i think that I have this wonderful relationship with God when compared to others? I don’t think so. I don’t compare myself to others. Also, I do believe that for as long as one is living, there is an opportunity to choose God over something else. I know this because I sometimes still select “something else” because I feel it serves my needs. I know it’s not the ideal and I know I am turning my back on Christ just as the dejected rich man did when asked to sell all he had and follow Christ. So my prayer continues to be: Loving Father, grant me the strength and resolve to turn away from my ego and the various callings that I know are not from you. May the gratitude I have for all you have given me provide the impetus to serve you more loyally and consistently. Grant me the faith the apostles discovered after your resurrection. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Luke 18:9-14 captures the heart of Jesus’ teaching—true righteousness is not found in comparing ourselves to others but in acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy.
DeleteI particularly appreciate how you examined your own heart, questioning whether you fall into the trap of self-righteousness. That kind of self-awareness is itself a sign of humility! Your insight about choosing “something else” over God at times is also deeply honest. It echoes Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:15-25, where he wrestles with doing what he knows he shouldn't.
Your prayer is powerful, especially your request for faith like the apostles discovered after the resurrection. It acknowledges the journey of faith as ongoing, not static—just as the apostles themselves grew over time.
One Thought to Deepen It Further
You mention not comparing yourself to others, which is good. But do you ever find yourself comparing your past self to your present self? Sometimes growth in faith isn't about external comparisons but recognizing where God has already transformed us and where He is still working. That, too, can be an act of humility—acknowledging both progress and the road still ahead.
This is a deeply thoughtful reflection. Keep wrestling with these truths—that’s where real faith grows.