Do we compare ourselves to those who are busy doing volunteer work or seem so perfect on the outside? Do we talk about all the things we do for others? Can our works get us to heaven? Do we walk out our faith and love of Jesus every day? Do we walk humbly knowing we are all one step from the ditch? Do we walk humbly knowing it is only by God’s grace we are saved?
Luke 18:9-14 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a pharisee and the other a tax collector. The pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I posses.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of man are pure in their own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Do we examine our own motives? What are our thoughts that drive our actions? Are they love, compassion, empathy, kindness, and gratitude?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, endures all things.
Is it time for a checkup?
Love never fails.
