“When they measure themselves by themselves and
compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”– 2 Corinthians 10:12b
Who is your standard of goodness or righteousness? Do you consider yourself “better than most”?
In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
This parable is a study in contrasts. The difference in the posture of these two men reveals plenty. The Pharisee “stood up,” and the tax collector “stood at a distance,” not even looking up to heaven, humbling himself before God. The Pharisee compared himself to other men and found himself better than most. He was satisfied with and boastful in his own self-righteousness. The tax collector compared himself to God, thus recognizing his great need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. The Pharisee chose to brag about his works, as if God would be impressed; the tax collector had nothing to offer except to acknowledge that he was sinner.
Whenever I read this parable, I am struck by the audacity of the Pharisee. His attitude suggests that he didn’t even think he needed God. I’ve met a lot of men like that. Their attitude is always, “I got this!” And in their puny self-righteousness they boast, “I’m better than most.” We need to take Jesus’ words in this parable to heart. I pray that none of us thinks or acts like that religious Pharisee. May we come humbly before God, confessing our sins, and relying on His strength to be the men He would have us be. Let us not compare ourselves with each other but contrast our lives with the life and character of Jesus. May we aspire to ever be more like Him!
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24
Personal Application: Spend some time in prayer confessing your sins and need for God’s mercy and strength. In view of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness for you, how will this impact the way you interact with others today?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5