There are two kinds of people that appear to be in the faith of God. One being the religious people and the others being humble Christians. And you can know what camp you sit in, by reading what Jesus said about both types of individuals. As you may have thought, how they look and act are much different. Speaking first of the religious people, humility is often not found, but pride. These people often get caught up in what they are doing and think they are more faithful then others. Even some go out in public with the goal of seeking attention to themselves, because of how good they can speak, pray, or serve others. Maybe, this isn’t there intention originally, but it always is in the end when God doesn’t get the glory, but themselves alone. Now let us learn more about this type of individual and other humble Christians in a parable Jesus taught. He said, 1“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.” (Luke 18:10-12) This is the type of individual that is religious, but sadly they are not saved. This is because Jesus does not know them. If He did, then they would not think of themselves to be any higher than anyone else. Instead, they would come humbly before the Lord, giving Him all the thanks and praise for the things they do and accomplish. These same people would also understand they are a sinner also and come humbly before God for forgiveness. Without Jesus washing them with His blood, they are as wretched as anyone else is. Therefore, they need Him to cleanse them from within.
When Jesus comes into our lives and starts to work through us, it is this time to understand that it is Him doing all the work and not ourselves. This is when humility begins to take shape and we are brought out of the religious community. Now, earlier we learned about the religious people of this world and how God does not recognize them as being His true followers. However, every humble follower of Christ is recognized by Him and has forgiveness also. This is spoken of when Jesus spoke of this other man who was not religious, but simply saw himself as a sinner and needed God’s mercy, in order to be made clean. In regards to this parable, Jesus said, 1“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.” (Luke 18:13,14) This selfless man is an example of every person in the faith. He was not haughty in his faith towards God, but very humble. He was not elevating himself, but only desired the Lord’s help. These are the type of people that are saved. So please understand this concept of humility, for it is lifesaving. Nothing we could ever do could save us, apart from the blood of Jesus. It is when a person submits themself to Him, is when Jesus can come into that person’s life and change them from within. It is true that God forgives those that humble themselves before Him. He hears their cries and confessions and shows them mercy. What a great God we serve. Nothing is like His mercy and grace. Therefore, we continue to seek Him each day through the Bible and prayer, while giving Him all the praise.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, You are my God and I need You every hour. Only by Your presence in my life am I safe from the enemy. Then do I have the armor to protect myself from temptation and sin. I am safe within Your arms, Jesus. You are my rock and therefore my faith is strong. Thank You for taking the person I am and molding and shaping it in Your sight. While in my flesh I am weak, but in the Spirit I am strong. You see me in my sinful state and raise me up into newness of life. Thank You for taking in a wretched sinner, such as I, and still coming to my rescue. Your compassion has no end, God. Your mercy is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Many times I’ve wondered how I could ever deserve Your forgiveness after all I’ve done, but still You forgive me. Surely, Your mercy has no bounds. You have heard my cries and my prayers have been answered. With my confessions, You have made a way for me to remove the evil thoughts in my mind. You have also taken away all the evil desires of my heart. By doing this, You have replaced these sinful things with good things. It is Your love that has changed me. Thank You Lord for setting me free from the captures of the enemy. Your light has shined through all the darkness and I can see better days ahead of me. Thank You Lord. You are the one that makes me stronger. Without You I am weak, but with You in my life, I can do all things. I am strong, for You are my shield. You are my fortress, and the fiery darts of the enemy will no longer be victorious. You are my guide now. I love You Lord. Thank You for moving in my life and for leading me on Your righteous path. The fruit therein, all belongs to You. I don’t deserve any of the recognition and give You all the glory and all the praise. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Luke 18:1-14 (KJV)
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 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.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 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.
14 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.