Humble Yourself

A right view of God in relation to ourselves is the basis of humility.

Jesus uses the contrasting postures of a Pharisee and a tax collector to teach us about humility. In this parable, both men come to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stands tall before God. The tax collector stands far away, unable to look up at God. The Pharisee’s high opinion of his piety makes him look down on others. The tax collector is oblivious to others and sees only the ugliness of his sins. The Pharisee is confident that his righteous deeds have earned him the right to be there and receive God’s favor. The tax collector beats his chest and pleads for God’s mercy.

Jesus concludes that it is the tax collector, a man infamous for his immoral lifestyle, and not the Pharisee, who fervently keeps the Law, who is justified—declared righteous.

A contrite spirit recognizes its insufficiency and imperfection. We go to God spiritually poor and needy, recognizing that all that we are and have is what we have received from His loving hand.

It is because of God’s mercy that we are saved and justified. God sent His son, Jesus, to earth to live among us and die for us while we were sinners. We receive the gift of salvation merely by faith.

We can adopt a posture of humility by going to God with the awareness that He is God, our Father, in Heaven and we are mere mortals; His unworthy servants on earth. We deserve no good thing and can achieve nothing on our own. Yet, He loves us so much that He showers us with blessings and exalts us when we humble ourselves.

Respond

• When was the last time you acknowledged your spiritual poverty to God in your prayers?
• Is there anyone in your life you consider yourself superior to? Why?