humility

Luke 18:1-17

⁹He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ¹⁰"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' ¹³But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' ¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

I am afraid I sound like the first guy more often than I would like to admit.  But I want to become the second guy.  I want to be humble before God and appreciative of His mercy and grace.  Not so that I "will be exalted", but so that I can know God.

 

Heavenly Father, I love you, and I need you.  Lord, I confess that I am a sinner; please be merciful to me because of Jesus.  Lord, please deliver me from being self-righteous.  There is no way that I can do enough to gain your special favor.  I am saved only because of Jesus and the faith that you have given me.  Thank you for your love.  Please help me show your love and kindness to others.  Help me be salty and bright today.  I love you, and I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.