Read Luke 18:9-14
God, Forgive Me, I’m A Sinner!
God told a parable in order to confront those with arrogant hearts and a self-righteous attitude. He used a Pharisee, a religious leader, and a tax collector, a “terrible sinner,” to make his point.
He said there was a Pharisee and a tax collector who went up to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you I’m not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I receive.”
Let’s evaluate this prayer: The Pharisee basically starts off with such arrogancy saying, “Thank you God I’m not a sinner.” Plus he was very self-righteous because he bragged about how he fasted twice a week and gave 10% of all he received. It’s hard to repent of sins when you’re busy bragging about how wonderful you are. It’s hard to show compassion for others when you’re too busy looking down upon them and gossiping about THEIR imperfections.
On the other hand, when the tax collector prayed, he approached the throne of God with such humility. He knew he was a sinner. He knew he had imperfections. He was so ashamed of his sins that he couldn’t look at God when he prayed. He even beat himself in the chest knowing he deserved punishment. And he begged God for mercy showing his repentive heart.
How do we approach the throne of God? Are We arrogant? Do we see no faults in our lives, and look down on others with no love and compassion? Or do we approach the throne of God with great humility and with a repentive heart?
Jesus closes by saying, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” I pray we can all learn from this!
