Self Confidence/Christ Confidence (Luke 18:9-14)

Self Confidence/Christ Confidence

• Luke 18:9

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Before I was a believer life was all about constantly comparing myself with others trying to be the top dog. My worth was seen by being great at something. Being good in sports kept me somewhat in the "in crowd." Those whom were not good at the things that "mattered" were ridiculed, made fun of, and kept apart from the activities of the so called "cool."

It's so easy to forget where we came from, but as soon as we become high minded and begin judging others God quickly reminds us that we are not far away from our fallen state.

In our spiritual nature their is no pride, arrogance, envy, etc. This is our flesh, so when we are not in the spirit and yet are operating as Christians we become carnal Christians we think and act no different than the world. The sad thing is we as leaders have a higher standard yet many walk in carnal ways. We can be so full of pride and behave so judgmental.

When we are in the Spirit we are much more patient with people and we show loving kindness, we see people not as they are but who they are in Christ. We love unconditionally and go out of our way to show mercy and grace. The moment we start thinking negative about others we need to take a step back and pray in tongues, build up our spirit man, before we start tearing people down (ministry of accusation) rather than lifting people up (ministry of reconciliation).

We feel better about ourselves when in comparison we seem far ahead religiously than others. Yet, that attitude comes from a religious spirit and not the Spirit of God as seen in Luke 18:9-14 "The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector." The Pharisee like any of us who compare ourselves with others are insecure, not satisfied in whom we are individually.

God is trying to bring us to the place where we are satisfied in Christ alone, not in our works, but simply in His presence. God delights in a broken and contrite spirit as we see with the tax collector who in humility cried out for mercy rather than the Pharisee who approached God in religious pride. As it says in vs. 14 those who humble themselves will be exalted. God is exalted in our humility, we allow Him to rule and reign in us and therefore His Glory is manifested. Our pride is to be in Christ alone, not self-confidence but Christ confidence.