Righteousness

Righteousness

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector. The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don’t sin, I don’t commit adultery, I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humbled will be honored.”

Luke 18:9-14

Whenever we feel confident of our own righteousness and look down on other people, we are in a most dangerous place. Jesus addressed this parable to a self-righteous audience, teaching that pride disqualifies us from experiencing the righteousness of God. Only God is the standard for righteousness.

He is the Rock; his work is perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! (Deuteronomy 32:4)

The contrast between the Pharisee and the publican was huge. The Pharisee stood up in the middle of the Temple, wanting to be noticed, while the tax collector stood at a distance, wishing to be out of the way. The Pharisee bragged about himself and noted the sins of others, while the tax collector beat on his breast and confessed his own sin. The Pharisee went home condemned by his pride, while the publican went home justified and saved by his faith.

Jesus did not take issue with the behavior of the Pharisee; he took issue with the self-righteous attitude of his heart. The lesson here for us is that God desires simplicity, humility, and faith—not fanfare, bragging, and confidence in our self-righteousness. If we exalt ourselves, we will eventually be humbled; but if we humble ourselves before God, we will eventually be exalted.

Father,

Forgive us for taking note of the sins of others instead of confessing our own sins to you. May we daily choose a heart posture of humility. Amen.