We Need More Publicans

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

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.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."

Remember this when you start to get on a spiritual high horse thinking you are awesome and glad you are not a sinner like some people. He saved a wretch like you, not a awesome specimen of mankind that He was lucky to get for the Kingdom. You may have been a high class moral wretch or a low class immoral wretch, but you were still a wretch.

Rather than throwing stones or casting a judgmental stare at the wretches of the world why not remember where you came from then stretching out a hand to lead them to Christ who came to save wretches, not condemn them.

I spoke with a lady yesterday that said she loved God, but did not go to church because she felt judged because she did not have good enough clothes. She has five kids, They are living off the Dad's salary alone. Yep, not dressed in Armani's for sure.

My emotions were a mix of anger for churches that would make a woman feel that way and compassion for her because she is missing out on what God has for her in a loving community of true believers.

Fortunately, I could tell her that the church hosting the soup kitchen would not treat her that way nor the one I attend. Hopefully, she and her family will come to one of us to be loved and nurtured in the Lord.

Be the publican, not the Pharisee. Remember the wretch you were and the sinner you are often still. Grace saved you. Unmerited favor is not a reward for righteousness. It was provided for a wretch like me and you.