March 13, 2024

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “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.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. Luke 18:10–14 (NIV)

Beloved of God, here is a warning against religiousity - holy living as a performance art. That is, outward holy living without inner transformation and humility.

Let us audit our hearts this morning. Are we praying to be seen? Or more urgently, are we praying with entitlement because of what we have done or who we are?

May God help us with a heart of wisdom this morning, and may He forgive every remnant of pride and entitlement in us before Him.

AMEN.