“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “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.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)

     This parable gives us a look at how a prayer of a proud, self-righteous person (the Pharisee) stacks up against the prayer of one who is humble and admits their sin (the tax collector).  The Pharisee was under the impression that he has done nothing wrong and is so much better than those “other people.”

     It is too easy to look down on others, but let’s not allow pride to stand in our way of thinking.  Let’s keep our hearts humble, admitting our sins and thanking God for his grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Dear Lord, I admit my struggles with sin.  Through the power of your Holy Spirit, help me to walk in your ways.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.