The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: I thank you, God, that I am not like other people – cheaters, sinners, adulterers…But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.'” – Luke 18: 11; 13

To everyone reading this right now, I must confess:

I justify going my own way sometimes when I know it’s not God’s way.  I say and do things that are not in alignment with God’s will.

Sometimes I think way more highly of myself than what is actually merited.

I’m pretty jacked up and I’m constantly in desperate need of Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness.

But I know I’m not alone. Every other human being on the face of the planet is on the sinner train with me!

Not one of us is righteous.

So we have to be very careful not to toot our own horns and believe in our self-professed purity.

Because it’s impossible for us to repent of our sins when don’t believe we carry any sins in the first place.

We have to humble ourselves like the tax collector and bow before God, acknowledging that we need His forgiveness and His Holy Spirit to help us.

Otherwise, we’re fooling ourselves and blocking our chances of having an authentic relationship with God.

And we can’t afford to live without Him!

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner! Please forgive me for the sins I’ve committed, both of omission and commission. There’s no possible way I can live righteously without you, so please send your Holy Spirit to be a light for my path and my heart. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.