March 27th, 2025
The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth, of everything I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner! ’ I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth, of everything I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner! ’ I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The older brother in the prodigal son story represents the danger of self-righteousness - being so caught up in our own "goodness" that we miss the heart of God. Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector further illustrates this point. As you read, reflect on your own attitudes. Have you ever found yourself looking down on others because of their sins while overlooking your own need for grace? Ask God to give you a humble heart that rejoices in His mercy for all people, including those whose sins might seem more obvious than your own.
Posted in Daily Devos