In Need of Mercy

”And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”“. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬-‭14‬ ‭‬‬

When we compare ourselves to others, we have put our standard in the wrong spot. The Pharisee commented that he was glad he was not like the others, but he wasn’t looking at how far he still had to go to reach God. The tax collector knew that he was far from God. A sinner in need of God’s mercy.

It wasn’t the action of the Pharisee that justified him. He was exalting himself, but he wasn’t found righteous by God. The tax collector humbled himself, recognizing his sin. We are all in need of God‘s mercy to be justified by Him.

I know at times, I can get caught up in the comparison trap. Sometimes I’m on the rant of the Pharisee, trying to justify myself. I spend more time now knowing that I’m a sinner in need of God. I would do well to stay in the humble position.

Lord, I know that I am a center in need of a Savior. Lord keep me humble. I know I am nothing without You. I need Your mercy in Jesus name. Amen.