To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
Many wonder today how they can reach the heart of the Saviour, how they can experience His favour, His blessing, His direction. Little do they know that the answer is within them, in a painful choice, a heart decision – to let go of pride.
For it is pride that makes you see yourself as a victim of your circumstance, as someone who deserves pity, as someone who always knows best. What are you facing today? Why not see it as an opportunity to grow in humility, which is worth more than gold in the eyes of God. When faced with the seeming rejection of Jesus Himself, the Canaanite woman simply pressed on, saying “Lord have mercy on me!” She knew that those who know they deserve nothing will be grateful for anything. It was then that Jesus heard her voice and redeemed her life. (Matthew 15:21-28).
Jesus desires to heal our wounds, to bless our lives, to direct our heart but we often do not allow Him because it is not the easiest road to take. No matter what language you speak, the words you use, the intention of your heart, it is the voice of humility that Jesus hears most clearly. It is when we throw up our hands to the Lord that God’s hands have room to work.
As you take this heart decision today to let go of your pride, know that the path of humility is at the risk of rejection. But you are not alone. True humility is total dependence on God for everything. When you walk this path, you walk beside Jesus, you feel His hand in your hand and you know the joy of walking in His strength and not your own.
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