Saturday

Luke 18: 9-14

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

This passage challenges me to look at myself. How often have I come to church as the Pharisees did -- out of habit or duty? When that happens I’m unhappy with the music or wonder why the pastor has to talk so long, or I think of all of the things on my to-do list. And I wonder why I leave church feeling unfulfilled, unstimulated or critical.

But then there are days when I go to church with a heart filled with so much gratitude to God. I have a sense of his majesty and am in awe of him. I realize my need of him. And in that attitude, I am teachable. I praise God through the music and I soak up his Word, and I think the minister really spoke straight from the Word that day.

It all boils down to attitude. When I am so wrapped up in myself, I’m holding on to my ideas, my concerns, my expectations, and my agenda. But when I’m willing to let go of me and look to God, my hands will be open to be filled afresh with his love and his teaching.


MJC