A Modern Day Parable

There was a man who attended church every Sunday. He was a prominent man, a leader in the church, and he was very well off. He dressed in the finest suits. This man never said it, but his lack of humility indicated that he thought himself to be better than those who had not been blessed financially as he. This church leader loved to stand before the congregation and pray with flowery words, and he would tell God about his many wonderful accomplishments. In his prayers he would even attempt to shame other members. He often prayed, “God there are people in our church at this very moment who do not obey your commands. They do not tithe nor do they serve in the church as they should. Thank you God that I am not like these people.”

But there was another man way up in the back corner of the balcony seated all by himself. This man was poor, and perhaps a bit ashamed that he was not dressed as nicely as others who were at church that day. He knelt and with tears flooding down his face, very quietly  he prayed, “God, have mercy on me for I am a sinner and have done terrible things. God, forgive me.”

And Jesus said, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

I have not heard anyone glorify themselves as this first man. However I have seen members in every church where I have been the pastor or been a member who had this same attitude. They definitely thought they were better than others. They acted as though the church was theirs, and everything should be done the way they wanted. Know this, the church belongs to no human, past, present or future. The church belongs to Jesus, only Jesus. No one should aspire to be like that first man, but rather the second man who humbled himself before God. Live like the second man and Jesus will exalt you.