“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 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).
We’ve already met those prideful Pharisees. Jesus used them as an illustration—a parable to help self-righteous people see the error of their way. We can definitely draw a contrast between the two characters in this teaching. The self-righteous tend to think much like the Pharisee. They are boastful and arrogant, considering themselves better than others. They can’t see any good in others, because they are too wrapped in themselves. The humble realize their dependence on God. They know they can’t go through life without Him. They have learned life isn’t all about them.
Verse 14 should be taken seriously by those who are guilty of being even a little self-righteous. Those who tend to exalt themselves will one day be brought down while those who are humble will one day be honored. Isn’t it time to put God before the word “righteousness?”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for WNAC, NYC and NAFWB convention leaders as they attend initial pre-con meetings this week in Tampa.
