Self-Righteousness

When We Trust in Our Own Self-Righteousness

Sometimes we think that our sin isn't as bad as someone else's or that we aren't nearly as bad off as others elevating ourselves to a different level of righteousness. However, the Gospel of Luke has a warning to those who think that they are morally superior.

He, Jesus, told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt. "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner! I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. " Luke 18:9-14

Lord, with humbleness and anguish I come to you today over my sin. Against you have I sinned. I beat my chest in anguish asking that you forgive me of my sinfulness. I am made to face my own sin. How ugly  and unloving I have been toward others. Have mercy on me and forgive me O God of my Salvation. Thank you Lord for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to see just how vile of a person I can be. God, be merciful to me a sinner. The more I try to live right before your eyes, the more I feel as though I fail. I pray that today, while it is still called today, that my prayer of repentance is pleasing to your ears. I pray that my prayer of humility over my sin is a pleasing aroma to your nostrils. Thank you Lord for giving your Son to take my place on the cross. Thank you for holding my life in your hands. It is in Jesus name I pray. Amen.