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. (vv 10-14)
Picture with me if you will this Pharisee, this man of prestige praying out loud and thanking God that he is such a good man. His every word is coated with arrogance. His attitude is one of complete self-righteousness. He is consumed with how "great" he is.
The bible clearly states that God resists those who are proud. James 4:6 says this, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." I want to be like the publican who stood at a distance and bowed his head before God, crying out for mercy. He was not egotistic. He did not think that God owed him anything. He simply understood what we all must understand, and that is the fact that we NEED God! We are human and all make mistakes. No matter how big or small our mistakes may be, in every situation we need God. We are nothing without Him. We would not even be here if it wasn't for God.
We must humble ourselves before God, and realize that He is everything. Humility is the key that unlocks the door to the vault were grace and mercy are stored. God resists the proud! Lord let us be men of humility!
Ryan Denard
