Luke 18:11 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.

Thanks to a strong brother in the Lord who showed his weakness, I am reminded none of us are above it all. I chose this scripture as a prime example of what his testimony was all about. Wrong thinking.

A Pharisee is a religious man. Nothing wrong with that if your mind is right with God but we are all in danger of taking ourselves a little too seriously. This one had an attitude that he was above it all and that sin does not touch his life and if it did his righteousness would destroy it. Jesus pointed out quickly that this man’s thinking was his failure.

Perhaps it would be easier to understand if we would just admit we are in constant danger and it is our Savior who is our rock and shield. We are so comfortable with our surroundings that it is almost as if we have made peace with sin and that should be a warning shot across our bow.

It all begins with “I don’t” and ends with pointing at a sin you might have victory over. Mine was drug addiction. Thank you Lord, you saved me. Is drug addiction the only sin out there? Same with alcohol. Many have been saved from that or sexual addiction or gambling but are those the only sins out there? No.

I am above all that is an attitude that puts me in danger just as much as hanging out with my old drug dealer. I didn’t save myself and I should not have an attitude except gratitude.

Psalm 25:1-5 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.