The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about (to) himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." 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." I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."" - Luke 18:9-14.

As usual, I'll sometimes find a verse in the Bible that ends up rocking my world for some time. This verse - from the Book of Luke - has done that. To me, this verse confused me in a way that I actually thought it might be wrong. I'll explain: I believe - personally - that prayers should be out of honest and heartfelt justice that one should pray his every thought. God sees everything anyways - our struggles, addictions, aspirations and wishes - so why not pray what is on your mind, whether it be anger or complete joy? Plus, He sees all of that anyway; so it struck me when it says to "pray humbly."

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But after a few days of figuring it out, I found that this not only can it be applied to our prayers, but too our walk with Christ and our everyday lives, because if we can live humbly and justified, there will be a reward and a fulfillment - and an exaltation. We need to be justified before the Lord by not [just] praying our thoughts and wishes onto Him, but too our burdens and need for forgiveness. I noticed that just this morning I hadn't prayed "Forgive me Lord" in such a long time, and so I did... And it happened to be the most weighted object off of my shoulders. I don't even think we as people realize how much of a burden it is to carry around the fact that we have been unforgiven. So all I'll say is this; it was just this morning that I applied what the Bible said in this verse. I tried praying my thoughts and requests for others and myself, but too did I humbly admit my wrongs, and it had never felt so good!

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Later today, I also went for my sunset run - as usual - and had experienced God's presence like I haven't usually. With an exceptionally beautiful sunset over the crest of the farmland mountain, it seemed as though I were set free from society. And for some odd reason, my mind felt clear, my heart felt clean, and my overall being felt good. So maybe, it doesn't hurt to be forgiven. Maybe it doesn't hurt to take just a little [honest] time to be justified before the Lord. Maybe the inner relief of forgiveness can truly set us free...