We All Need Mercy

Good Morning!! If listing the most unpopular virtues of the Christian life, humility, would have to be near the top of the list,...if not number one. Not thinking more highly of oneself, than one ought, flies in the face of worldly teachings. Our culture, teaches that we must compare ourselves with others. Many teachings on self-worth depend on looking at others, that may be considered lesser. "I am as good as. . ., I am better than. . ., or I am a pretty good person, when you compare me with . . . ", and on it goes. This false image-building, also goes on in our religious life too.

"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.'—Luke 18:13 (NIV)

But as Christians, our understanding of life, ought to leads us to confess our shortcoming as sin,...and give God the glory for our accomplishments. Every segment of life, has their own pecking order, down to the homeless, on the street. One claims to be better than, or not as bad as, another. Arrogance and "false pride" are very much a part of our lives. That's why we sing: It’s me, it’s me, O Lord Standing in the need of prayer not the deacon, nor the preacher Not my mother, nor my father- but it’s me, O Lord. Standing in the need of Prayer.

Humble people, know themselves,
...they don't need to apologize for their strengths, or cover up their weaknesses.

Lord, we join the publican who prayed,..."Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner." Amen.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."