Self-RIGHTEOUS

In every culture, we’re drawn to do good. Yet Jesus reminds us that our works lose their meaning when they become monuments to our own name rather than a response to God’s grace. The Pharisee in the parable shows how self-trust and comparison can distort even good practices, while the tax collector reveals the hope found in depending entirely on God’s mercy. We often forget that grace is what begins every good work in us—and when righteousness becomes our personal ambition, it quietly separates us from both God and others. The way forward is through daily confession and a humble return to God, trusting His righteousness—not ours—as the true source of any lasting good.

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Scripture: Luke 18:9–14 (NRSV)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13 But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’