Read Luke 18:9-14
“God, I thank You that I am not like other men…I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”—Luke 18:11-12
The Pharisee’s prayer progressed beyond recounting the evil he didn’t do, to confidently recalling his good deeds. The Pharisee highlights the accomplishments and credentials that qualify him as a righteous man. He has surveyed his life and after seeing only good in himself, he proudly proclaims, “Look at all the good I do! Am I not better than others?”
Therein lies the point of Jesus’ parable—the danger of declaring ourselves righteous because of our works and despising others for their shortcomings. That kind of self-righteousness is like spiritual quicksand—the more we highlight our own righteousness, the more we stand in judge of others; the deeper we sink into self-imposed condemnation.
Perhaps we could never see ourselves in this Pharisee. We’d never offer such a self-centered prayer that boasts about our good. Then again, could we find ourselves quietly expressing gratitude we’re not like others? After all, we attend worship services each Sunday. We participate in Bible Study each week. We feed the poor, clothe the naked, visit the sick and minister to the prisoner. And we know others who do none of that! Could we ever look at our spiritual resume and feel the slightest twinge of pride that we aren’t like other men?
Obedience and good works are interwoven into the foundation of our faith. Yet, even the obedience we display and the good we do isn’t solely of our own accord, but a result of God’s grace covering us and His Spirit empowering us. Apostle Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace, not our works, otherwise we could find cause to brag and boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Yes, we should thank God for the good He allows us to do, but we should do so with a humility that shines the spotlight on Christ, and not ourselves.
Lesson to Remember: Do we do good so others can see us, or so they can see Christ?
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”—Romans 12:3
