November 1, 2011

The Pride in Me

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Luke 18:9-14 – And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

If we’re not careful, we can use the things we do for God or as Christians as a means to ‘measure’ ourselves to others. We may come to believe we’re more spiritual than other people because we’re (1) praying and studying longer; (2) involved in more ministries at church; (3) volunteering at various outreach services; and/or (4) giving more money.

The things we boast about doing should not be a measure of our faith or righteousness in the Lord. We should continue to lay treasures in heaven and walk in obedience without comparing to others (Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 7:24-25). As spoken by the Lord, we are not to exalt ourselves. It is the Lord that exalts those that are humble. Thinking we are better than someone else because we are doing more doesn’t exalt us before God, it will humble us before Him and that is not what we want (Matthew 23:12). The Pharisee was not justified before God, but the one that came to him humbly, seeking mercy was.

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