One of Christianity’s greatest adversaries is hypocrisy!
Lk 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. LESSON: A few observations regarding both of these people -
1. Same place (church)
2. Same act (prayer)
3. Same desire (God’s favor)
4. Different hearts
5. Different motives
6. Different responses from God
Which person does your life more resemble?
~Mike