Matthew 18:9-14
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
This publican, (not republican, although he could have been,) knew he was a sinner. Like most men, I’m sure he had a truckload of sins. Every one of them brought him pain and regret. However, those same sins brought him to the only One who can forgive sins, Jesus Christ.
That Pharisee thought his religious activity made him right with God. Man, was he wrong! The Bible teaches that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Which one of these two would you identify with? Don’t just be praying with yourself.
Give it some thought.
Gary