May 31, 2023 -- Luke 18:9-15 -- Pride and Humility

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But 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!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-15 ESV

How many of us are aware of our profound need for God’s mercy? A mercy that must shield us every moment of every day! I was listening to Voddie Baucham’s teaching on justification and sanctification. He was explaining that for an act to be right, or good, it must be i) a right action; ii) it must be carried out with a right attitude; iii) it must be done with a view to the glory of God.

Look at the various things you have done that you considered “good” or “right”. For example, perhaps you gave money to a charity which cares for the poor. Afterwards you said, “okay, I am done with them for a while”. A right action, but a deed with an accompanying attitude which disregards the humanity of the poor who are made in God’s image. It might be good in the eyes of the world, but not before God.

For a people who are dependent on God the Father for life, for breath, for every moment of our existence, we are exceptionally proud. The antidote to pride is to look to Jesus Christ, Who humbled Himself. He gave Himself up to death for sinners, such as we are. The antidote to pride is to consider how unlovable we were (and are) and still Jesus died for us, He the Just One for us who are unjust. Then spend time with a man or a woman who, aware of their impoverished spiritual state, who like the tax collector, are aware of their great sinfulness and need for God’s loving help every single moment, and you’ll see evidence of the joy of the Lord. It is infectious.

The LORD our God has so designed us that we are to be a compassionate people. If we do not act out our love for Jesus in ways in which show divine for love the people around us, we will grow stagnant and putrid in our spiritual lives. If, however, we share the love of God with those around us, doing right deeds freely and extravagantly, with an attitude that is right and a heart fixed on the goodness of God we will find that the Spirit of God replenishes our very soul. We were designed to give away the love of God. And as we do so we learn we can never outgive His love and goodness. Now that is truly humbling and a cause for great joy.

Our Father in heaven honored and holy be Your Name. God, be merciful to us, sinners. Amen.

https://youtu.be/W5EUvOnQr4Y “His Mercy Is More” Matt Papa

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