Luke 18:9-14, NKJV
Believers have many plans of the heart. Proverbs 16:1 tells us that God prepares those plans, and we depend on Him to direct our paths, giving the answer of the tongue. It is self-righteousfor believers to think that in their own eyes all of their ways are pure (Prov. 16:2a). Jesus taught a parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector who went up to the temple to pray. He addressed some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else (vv. 9-10, NIV).
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, thanking God that he was not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector (v.11). He boasted offasting twice a week and giving tithes of all he owned (v.12). The tax collector stood way off and would not even look up to heaven but with an attitude of repentance prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner” (v.13)!Jesus declared that the tax collector went home justified rather than the Pharisee; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (put down), and he who humbles himself will be exalted (v.14). The Pharisee prayed about his good works; the tax collector acknowledged that he was a sinner and asked for God’s mercy in forgiving his sin.
Let us humble ourselves before God and acknowledge our sins; He will forgive us and make us righteous. Then by faith, we can walk in His righteousness and trust Him to lead us in fulfilling the plans of our hearts according to His purpose.
Shout, “Glory!” and give Him praise.