This passage of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector has to be one of the most foundational stories about christian character. I was reminded of another passage as I repeated the tax collectors plea in my head. The contrast is unsubtle.
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.’ - Luke 18:13
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should should notice a dead dog like me?” - Samuel 9:8
Self righteousness is dangerous as it always leads to pride. I will never be able to comprehend the punishment that I get to avoid and how much I deserve it. I have ruined relationships, lied, cheated etc. However even though I consider myself a “dead dog”, I struggle to not let this mentality to lead to self hatred. I find myself usually bleak in working for the Lord as a lot of my effort into the Great Commision I do is in spite of hell, not gratefulness or ecstatic joy in God. Self hatred might be Idol, possibly, but I pray that I imitate in my thoughts that Calvary covers all my insecurities and failures. Praise Him.
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