Our strengths can often reveal our weaknesses. In her book, Personality Plus (Revell, 1983, 1992), Florence Littauer points out that positive traits carried to extremes become negatives (p.86-87). The man with quick, incisive leadership is driven to succeed; but his extreme behavior can become “bossy, controlling, and manipulative.” The woman that is sociable and full of joy is envied for her conversation skills; but carried to extremes she is “constantly talking, monopolizing, interrupting, and straying too far from the truth” and often has difficulty staying focused. The perfectionist has deep analytical thinking; but carried to extremes he becomes brooding and depressed. The peaceful person’s easygoing nature makes him a good friend and a group favorite; yet carried to extremes he “doesn’t care about doing anything and is indifferent and indecisive.” Jesus gives an excellent example of this paradox in human behavior in The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Read: Luke 18:9-14).
The Pharisee has the strength of faith to be confident in approaching God in prayer. Unfortunately, the Pharisee’s confidence causes him to mistakenly rely on his own accomplishments and abilities as his credentials to approach God. This self-justification also causes him to condescendingly view the Tax Collector. The Pharisee is justifying himself through comparison to a “sinner.” He forgot about his own sins and about the true comparison, Jesus Christ. The Pharisee is over emphasizing his worthiness before God. He recounts his accomplishments and flaunts his resume. How is it possible for him to remember all his accomplishments, yet forget his transgressions? How does he piously stand before God? (Reference: Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:12-13; 12:7)
In contrast, the Tax Collector demonstrates the awareness of a sinful life. He seeks mercy. Though undeserved, he knows it is only by God’s grace he is saved.
According to Jesus, a humble and contrite spirit is more desirable for the disciple of Christ. How can a believer submit to the Lord’s leading if he is busily defending his own worthiness? The Lord desires righteousness, but we fall short because we have all sinned (Romans 3:9-31). As a demonstration of His love for us, the Lord sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us… paying the debt we owed, reconciling us, so that we are now justified and will be saved (Romans 5:6-11). If we deny our need for a savior, we “deceive ourselves” and make “God out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8-10). We need a savior!
Prayer
Merciful Father, we humbly bow before your throne. You alone are worthy of praise. We confess our unworthiness and acknowledge we need a savior. Thank you for paying the price for the debt we owed. Through Jesus we pray, Amen.
Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas
No comments:
Post a Comment