Are You Any Better - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) January 19, 2024

As believers, It is easy to look at all the things we do and be reassured by them. We might look to our regular fasting, constant prayers, and consistent Bible study and take pride in the fact that we are on the right track with the Lord. So much so, that we may start to think that we are better than others. After all, we obey God's instructions and don't live like evil-doers such as fornicators, murderers, thieves, and liars.

Jesus shared a lesson about someone who felt puffed up by all he was doing right. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector highlights a Pharisee - a respected religious leader - who visited the Temple to pray one day. This involved telling God how good he was. He thanked the Lord he wasn't like the robbers, adulterers, or the tax collector who was praying nearby. He said, "I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get" (Luke 18:12).

His disdain for tax collectors was because these men were some of the most hated members of Israelite society at the time. They were seen as traitors who oppressed their people on behalf of the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, the tax collector prayed, beating his chest and keeping his eyes lowered ("unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven"), saying, "God have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13).

Jesus said that the tax collector was more righteous than the Pharisee. Luke 18:14 - "I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

We cannot gauge our walk by comparing ourselves to those who we think aren't as good as we are. To do so is indicative of a prideful heart and the Lord despises the proud (Proverbs 16:5). Instead, let us all approach our Father with an acknowledgment of His grace and mercy as our starting point. 2 Timothy 1:9 tells us, He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.

Yes, the Lord wants us to live a holy life that involves avoiding sin, meditating on His word, giving Him praise, and more. However, it will not do for us to look down on others who aren't there yet. Rather, let us, by our actions and words, encourage the newcomer to the faith and even those who don't believe to follow our example and start living righteously. We must treat others with love and concern for their physical and spiritual well-being. We must not allow pride to make us think we are better than anyone for the scripture warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12 - So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! After all, it's only the grace of God that we know Him, are known by Him, and have been saved through the sacrifice of Christ. May we never forget this IJMN Amen.

See you for fellowship at Noon EST. God bless you.