The self-righteous seek out and find in others and the world around them the evidence of sin and imperfection so that they can act as if they are better.
The humble and contrite know and confess their own weaknesses and imperfections easily and sell and find the evidence of God in the people and world around them.
These two perspectives are very different and produce a different attitude in people towards one another. Teaching this distinction is what art Jesus apart from the religious leaders of His day, and is still today what sets apart walking with God in The Way from practicing religion.
The songs “Where could I go but to the Lord”, “I can’t even walk without You holding my hand”, and “Why Me Lord” come to mind. Also this story Jesus taught recorded in the book of Luke:
“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:10-14 NLT
Lord, be merciful to me. I have sinned against you and against so many. Help me to be a blessing and not a curse to all those around me, and help me to see you and praise and worship you for all of it. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 