We stand condemned if we compare ourselves to others, and think more highly of ourselves than them.
Let's take a look at the parable in Luke 18: 9-14
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
When we look at who Jesus was speaking to, we can see, that it was those who thought they were more righteous than others, It even says that they despised others. We have to be very careful not to despise others, or think that we are more righteous than they are.
Looking at what the Pharisee said we can see that he was quick to point out all the problems of others, and compared himself to them. Instead of examining his own heart to see if it needed cleansing, he just figured he was better than the rest because he didn't do the same things he saw them doing.
The Publican on the other hand, examined their own heart, they weren't concerned about what others were doing, but only with that which they had done, they knew they weren't perfect or righteous, they were ashamed, and sought mercy from the Lord.
If we spend too much time concentrating on the sins of others, and comparing ourselves with them. It can only serve to blind us of our own shortfalls.
I pray that we can all learn to examine our own hearts before the Lord, in much the same way the Publican did. For we are no more worthy of Gods Mercy than anyone else on the face of this earth.
Let's take a look at the parable in Luke 18: 9-14
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
When we look at who Jesus was speaking to, we can see, that it was those who thought they were more righteous than others, It even says that they despised others. We have to be very careful not to despise others, or think that we are more righteous than they are.
Looking at what the Pharisee said we can see that he was quick to point out all the problems of others, and compared himself to them. Instead of examining his own heart to see if it needed cleansing, he just figured he was better than the rest because he didn't do the same things he saw them doing.
The Publican on the other hand, examined their own heart, they weren't concerned about what others were doing, but only with that which they had done, they knew they weren't perfect or righteous, they were ashamed, and sought mercy from the Lord.
If we spend too much time concentrating on the sins of others, and comparing ourselves with them. It can only serve to blind us of our own shortfalls.
I pray that we can all learn to examine our own hearts before the Lord, in much the same way the Publican did. For we are no more worthy of Gods Mercy than anyone else on the face of this earth.
