The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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.12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 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!’14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be [d]humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
I find myself gradually over the years seeing myself in a very privileged situation in regards to religion. My knee jerk reaction is to judge quickly and ask questions later.
I was brought up in the church. I feel as though I know the protocol. But what I didn’t learn first and foremost was love. And now I am learning to love.
Case in point, we have a noise problem with congregants in the foyer while worship is going on. I find myself furious with the situation thinking there are some who should “know better.” And yes there are some who know better. They know that they should be quiet, but they choose not to. Also there are those who were not brought up in the church and do not know the importance of worship over socialization.
So I thought to myself if I was ever asked to pray, I would subtly pray for them. But then a sermon was preached on the verses above and I found myself thinking that was the wrong attitude to have. We are all sinners. It’s a sin to think others are on a lower totem spiritually. We are all on equal levels, being barely saved through God’s grace and the power of the blood of Jesus.