Jesus told this story to some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else: “A Pharisee and a tax collector both went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood alone and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people who steal, cheat, or take part in adultery, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give one-tenth of everything I get!’” [Luke 18:9-12 (NCV)]

Sometimes we’re more interested in appearing good than being good. Sometimes we’re more concerned about besting our neighbor than being our best. Sometimes we’re more interested in pointing out the failures of others than admitting our own shortcomings.

Lord, forgive us; we are sinners all.

“The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even look up to heaven. But he beat on his chest because he was so sad. He said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you, when this man went home, he was right with God, but the Pharisee was not. All who make themselves great will be made humble, but all who make themselves humble will be made great.” [Luke 18:13-14 (NCV)]

Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the Lord. Certainly, such a person will not go unpunished. [Proverbs 16:5 (GW]