“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, a sinner!’” (v.13)
May we all check our attitudes at the door of humility, that we may be exalted by the LORD and not abased (v.14). May we all bow before the LORD in repentance, beating our chests, saying “be merciful to me, a sinner” and not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought” (vv.12-13).
As pride always comes before a fall, so a haughty spirit comes before stumbling. The moment we think we're good, we're not. The moment we think, we've got it all together, we don't. Better to come to God in humility and brokenness to receive His righteousness, than to come to Him as a filthy rag in your own (righteousness).
The Truth
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
May we all check our attitudes at the door of humility, that we may be exalted by the LORD and not abased (v.14). May we all bow before the LORD in repentance, beating our chests, saying “be merciful to me, a sinner” and not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought” (vv.12-13).
As pride always comes before a fall, so a haughty spirit comes before stumbling. The moment we think we're good, we're not. The moment we think, we've got it all together, we don't. Better to come to God in humility and brokenness to receive His righteousness, than to come to Him as a filthy rag in your own (righteousness).
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
