“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.” Luke 18;9-14 (KJV)
Self-appraisals are the most difficult things to do. Most humans do not want to admit any weaknesses. We live in a time and a society when pulling oneself up by the bootstraps philosophy is not only popular but held up as the model to follow.
The issue is trust. In whom do we trust? Read any fictional novel; watch any Hollywood movie and you will read or hear: “I don’t trust anyone but myself.” Trust that is the issue! Who will I trust?
We may note that Jesus told this parable UNTO THOSE WHO TRUSTED IN THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WERE CONTEMPTUOUS OF OTHERS. Contempt for those who are not like us is a bi-product of the self-trust philosophy. This philosophy begins with a judgmental attitude . Looking around and judging whether other people are as righteous as we are . . . such arrogance; such egotism. The problem is that the self-righteous judge is gauging everyone else by the wrong model.
You and I are not the model of righteousness! It is only through God’s mercy that we are not consumed!
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6a (KJV). “There is none righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:10a (KJV).
“For he hath made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (Christ)” 2 Corinthians 5: 21 (KJV).
Therefore, we all should assess ourselves , as well as everyone else, against Christ. He is the model of righteousness that we should follow. He is the one in whom we should trust for righteousness.
Dear Father, thank you for making us righteous in Christ. Empower us to trust in his righteousness and his alone. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the mercy of God,