I Deserve It!

I Deserve It!

Bible Blast: Read Luke 18:9-14

Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14

When you want your parents to get you something or take you somewhere, do you try to “butter them up” first? Like, is this how you ask your mom if you can do something?

“Hi, Mom! Your hair looks really nice like that. Also, I’m pretty sure you’ve lost weight. Good for you! Just so you know, I cleaned the litter box, made my bed, did my homework, swept the porch, and put my laundry away. I even ate carrot sticks instead of cookies for a snack. So do you think I could go to Marie’s slumber party Friday night?”

It’s as if you think if you list all the good things you’ve done, your parents will suddenly be overwhelmed with love for you and let you do what you want. Just so you know, I don’t think that approach works very well, but you can keep trying if you don’t believe me!

You definitely can’t butter up God by reminding him of all the good things you’ve done for him. Today’s Bible Blast passage describes a Pharisee who was proud of all he did for God, including fasting from food twice a week. He even let God know that he wasn’t like the tax collector! Now take a look at those verses again. Which man did God say was right in his eyes? Whose prayer did God honor? That’s right. The tax collector. The Pharisee’s prayer was rooted in pride, not in humility and love for God. The Pharisee was saying, “Notice me! Look at what I’ve done! I’ve been so obedient. I’m better than this other guy!” God wasn’t impressed. That’s because God doesn’t love us because of the things we do. He loves our hearts.

God knows exactly what you do all the time. You don’t need to remind him of anything. When you approach God in prayer, tell him what’s on your heart, just like the tax collector did. He was just honest with the Lord. He hadn’t done anything “great” for God, and he knew it. He just wanted to be forgiven for his sins, which actually was a great thing after all.

Girl Gab: Go and make some toast. Spread some butter on it and sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon on it. Yum! While you eat it, talk about the phrase “buttering someone up.” Do you think it’s an honest way of speaking with someone? Ask God to help you and your mom communicate in honesty to each other.