The Sins of Others :Two Views & A Prayer

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

The View of the Pharisee and Spiritually Arrogant:
The sins of others are far more interesting than my own.
The sins of others make for great discussion.
The sins of others can make us blush.
The sins of others keep the focus off mine.
The sins of others are often jeered and cheered but rarely ignored.
The sins of others make us feel better about ourselves.
The sins of others are exactly why we need stronger sermons.
The sins of others are holding us back.

The View of the Tax Collector and Other Sinners:
The sins of others make me weep.
The sins of others remind me of how desperate I am for God.
The sins of others do not cause me joy, or relief.
The sins of others cause me to intercede in prayer.
The sins of others prompt concern and compassion.
The sins of others are not ours to share.
The sins of others should bring no delight.
The sins of others drive me to my knees,
Because I realize I am the greatest of these!

A Prayer for Sinners, Like Me:
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner! Break my heart with what breaks Yours. Teach me to weep over the sins of others, but only after I am broken over my own. Show me the path to forgiveness. I have disobeyed and sinned against You. Forgive me for placing my will and foolish wants above Your will. Hear my confession. These are my sins that lie before You. I alone am responsible. Cleanse me. Renew my heart and plant my feet on solid ground. Lead, enable and empower me to leave them for good. In the words of Your servant David, “restore to me the joy of my salvation.” Grant that my days ahead will bring glory to Your name and my Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen.