Right In The Middle!

It is not hard for us to look around ourselves and note the many PROBLEMS that exist today. There are PROBLEMS in government, PROBLEMS in our communities, PROBLEMS within our congregations, PROBLEMS in our families, etc. As long as there are people living within this realm there will be PROBLEMS because we are imperfect beings. We may readily admit to the presence of PROBLEMS. However, sometimes the greatest PROBLEM is the failure to note that which is closest to home. Perhaps our prayer should be as one offered, “Dear God: I have a problem. It’s me.” [source: list of aphorisms] The reality is that “I” is right there in the middle of “sIn” and that PROBLEM dare not be overlooked.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ contrast between the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Though both men were stated as going up to the temple to pray, oh how different was their focus and manner in approaching God.

Note the prayer of the Pharisee.
“(11) 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. (12) I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’” ( Luke 18:11-12 ESV)

The Pharisee readily saw the PROBLEMS around him and his prayer seemed to have turned into more of a bragging session before God than anything else. The very reason for Jesus telling this parable was because of the way the “self-righteous” looked down upon others ( Luke 18:9) while failing to acknowledge their own struggles.

In contrast, note how the tax collector’s prayer was short and to the point.
“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘GOD, BE MERCIFUL TO ME, A SINNER!’” ( Luke 18:13 ESV)

Jesus went on to note that it was this man who went home justified. ( Luke 18:14) Not the one who tried to justify himself, but the one who humbly acknowledged where his greatest challenge rested -- the sin in his own life.

There may be many godly characteristics associated with our lives. I pray that is true and that we each are continuing to mature spiritually. However, we must always remain on guard against developing a sense of self-righteousness. We each still have things to work on in our own lives and we need to ask for God’s mercy and help as we humbly acknowledge the PROBLEMS that still need correcting.

John warned and encouraged…
“(8) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE us our sins AND TO CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness.” ( 1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

Have a great day GAINING GOD’S PERSPECTIVE OF OUR “I” PROBLEM!
Carl

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