Humility’s Hard… by Andrew Gifford
I don’t know about you, but when I read or hear any of Jesus’ parables my instinct is to relate to the “good guy” of the story: the Widow, the Good Samaritan, the Faithful Servant… it’s so much more comfortable (and FAR less challenging) to insert ourselves into these positions.
When I read through this parable, I had to force myself into the position of the Pharisee (because of course my inclination was to pretend I was the tax collector). Which then of course challenged me. So I ask that you contemplate these questions that came to me while reading this from the perspective of the Pharisee:
Who in my life am I quick to judge?
What leads me to think like that?
Where can I ask God to help me humble myself?
This is NOT easy. If you’re like me, the answer to that first question makes the other two VERY VERY difficult to answer. As you move through your day today and through the rest of the weekend, I hope you’ll challenge yourself (as I’m hoping to do) to be gentle with others with whom you may struggle and truly seek a humble heart.
Luke 18: 9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’