At the end of the parable, we see that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, is the one that returns home justified. He is aware of his sinfulness, and he presents himself as he is before God. He asked for mercy, and God happily granted him this
request.
The critical difference between the tax collector and the Pharisee is the humility of the former. What does it mean to be humble? Our culture often praises someone as humble if they are lowly, quiet, gentle and unassuming. But is it the tax collector's lowliness or his honesty that
makes him humble?
A humble person recognises that all their good qualities are gifts from God. The Pharisee lacks this attitude - he thinks he is the reason for his goodness. A humble person recognises their weaknesses and does not try to hide them. The tax collector has this attitude. The
difference between the tax collector and the Pharisee is not what they have and do; it is their attitude towards themselves.
To be humble is to recognise that God gives us our lives and infinitely and unconditionally loves us. Humility is unashamedly aware of our giftedness and
weaknesses and mindful that God is at work through both. Humble people offer their gifts in service to others without feeling special and entitled. They are similarly aware and at peace with their weaknesses. They can offer themselves precisely as they are before God.
It may be tempting to
try to imitate the lowliness of the tax collector to distance ourselves from the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. But instead, we should be careful to imitate his honesty and authenticity before God.
Ask yourself this morning, what are my gifts and talents, and how can I offer them to
God and others? Am I grateful to God for these gifts, or do I think they are my own making? What are my weaknesses? Do I see how they make God's grace perfect in me?
