Christian leaders can sometimes carry a self-righteous attitude. We never come to God on the basis of our perfection but always through the work that Jesus has accomplished. Even though we can come boldly to the throne of God on the basis of the blood, we should never have the attitude of the Pharisee who was looking at what he had given up or done when he came to God.
Luke 18:11-13 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
The Publican’s attitude was of humility. God, be merciful to me a sinner. God, I still make mistakes even though I know better. Thankfulness in what He has done and has given is always good etiquette. But coming to God with an attitude that demands He do something for us because we have been faithful is never right. Really, there is nothing we can boast in but the blood of Jesus. All our faithfulness to God or works that we do since becoming a believer still don’t give us access to Him. They are merely responses to the work Jesus has done in the new birth.
When you’re going through a tough place and feel resentment rising up in your attitude toward God that says “why am I going through all this since I’ve been faithful to you?” watch out! Wrong answer. What is right is to always look and ask yourself if you opened a door to the attack or if it’s merely a devilish attack to stop you. Either way, the exit door is always humility. If you opened a door then repent and close it. If it’s just an attack to stop you, then again go to the Throne with humility and honor and thankfulness for His way out.
Questions:
- Is my attitude Pharisaic or Publican right now?
- Am I blaming God for something I opened the door for?
- Am I blaming God for something when the devil is attacking me?
- Am I demanding God to do something for me based on my faithfulness to Him?
- Are you grateful for God’s grace and mercy?
