Spiritual Pride
(S) Scripture
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 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.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13 "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.'
14 "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."
(O) Observation
In a series of parables Jesus addresses many spiritual issues. In this one he addresses spiritual pride or self righteousness. There is incredible arrogance associated with approaching God thinking you are righteous in yourself. Jesus compares and contrasts the proud with the sinner. Those who exalt themselves will be brought down.
(A) Application
Spiritual pride is an easy trap to fall into. Just when I think I have things figured out, when I am riding high in my spirit, when I think I know more than others and am somehow more worthy of God's grace, I am brought back to reality by my own sinfulness. I find spiritual pride to be rampant in the church. We think we are better than those who don't attend. We are somehow more favored by God. God is lucky to have us on his team. . That comes just before the crash. I must develop personally and help the people I serve develop the attitude of the tax collector. God be merciful to me a sinner. I deserve nothing but your wrath but please have mercy and grant me your grace. Today I want to rid myself of any spiritual pride and trust in God's mercy and grace.
(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how prideful I can become. Make me so aware of your mercy and grace that I will trust only in you and not in myself. Let me experience your mercy today. Amen
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