Religious or Repentant

“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 humbled himself shall be exalted… Luke 18:10-14.”

The Pharisee sought to justify himself. He was arrogant and prideful. Everyone thought he was addressing God, but he was in fact addressing himself。 You see the same type of people in church every week. They are just a little bit better (or think they are) than the rest.
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The publican was a man who knew what and who he was. He was a sinner and was aware of his sin. Unlike the Pharisee who knew only his so-called self-righteousness.

This publican talked to God. But he couldn’t even look up to heaven. He showed a holy reverence for God. and by the beating of his chest, he expressed genuine sorrow and repentance.

So, which are you? Are you someone who goes to church twice a week and gives tithes but only has a form of religion? Jesus would say you are like a tomb full of dead men’s bones? You have a form of godliness, but you deny the power of God.

There are many like this; they may even hold a high office in the church but are filled with self-righteousness and of their own importance. Jesus will say that he never knew them when it comes to Judgment Day.

We must all come to God like the publican; he stood afar off. But like the prodigal son, when he was a great way off, the Father saw him and ran to Him.

God sees your heart; he sees the heart that is repentant and he will accept you right where you are.

God bless you, Keith