Luke 18:10-14 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—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 all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Over the years, my Christian live had evolved from man one to man two in today's reading. I used to be a look-at-me Christian. It was in that stage I had my biggest fall. After many and varied and continued spiritual failures, I find myself identifying more and more with the tax collector. However, the struggle I now face is that I get stuck in the breast-beating stage. I can become an emotional flagellant. Sin I recognize. Failings I embrace.
If as Christians we stop at the tax collector stage of interaction with God, I believe we disappoint God as much as the Pharisee.
John 10:10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 15:13 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Recognition of our sinfullness and depravity creates in us a deep apprecaition for the completeness of God's grace. However, it is imperative we allow that same grace to be the basis for life-changing joy and peace.
If as Christians we stop at the tax collector stage of interaction with God, I believe we disappoint God as much as the Pharisee.
John 10:10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 15:13 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Recognition of our sinfullness and depravity creates in us a deep apprecaition for the completeness of God's grace. However, it is imperative we allow that same grace to be the basis for life-changing joy and peace.
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