When Good Things Become a Bad Foundation

Luke 18:11–12
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Thought:
The Pharisee did not lie about his religious activities. He truly fasted, gave tithes, and likely avoided many public sins. The problem was not what he did but what he trusted. He had taken good practices and turned them into the foundation of his righteousness before God. Instead of seeing his fasting and giving as grateful responses to God’s grace, he presented them as reasons God should be impressed with him. His prayer was full of himself. He used the language of thanksgiving, but in his heart, he was boasting.

This same danger is present today! Church attendance, serving, giving, and moral living are all good and necessary, but they are not the basis of our acceptance before God. If we secretly believe that God is obligated to bless us because of our track record or that we are more acceptable than others because of what we do, then we are standing in the Pharisee’s shoes. The Gospel teaches that even our best works are stained, and that Christ alone is our righteousness. Let your obedience be the fruit of salvation, not the root of it. Today, examine your heart. Are you resting in Christ or in your spiritual performance?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, reveal any self-righteousness in my heart. Forgive me for the times I have trusted in my own goodness instead of your grace. Help me see that everything acceptable in me is because of you, not because of my performance. Teach me to serve, give, and obey out of gratitude, not out of pride. I rest my hope alone in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.