In Luke 18:9-17, Jesus tells a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, compared himself to the tax collector and began to thank God that he wasn’t like him or other sinners. But Jesus says it was the tax collector, humble and penitent, who went home and received mercy from God.
Now imagine this parable with two politicians instead – each fiercely focused on the other’s faults. Each one steps up to the podium, talking about why their opponent is unfit, corrupt, or dangerous. Both assure their supporters that they’re the most moral, principled option. Yet, both refuse to look within themselves. They’re so focused on their rival’s flaws that they cannot possibly talk about their own. They hold their heads high, convinced of their own righteousness, and walk away as self-assured as they were when they began.
We live in a time filled with this kind of division and self-righteousness. Sadly, politicians aren’t the only ones condemning each other. We do the same thing to our neighbors who may not see things the same way we do. Let’s admit it… we see a campaign slogan on someone’s bumper or a sign in someone’s yard and immediately think, “Thank you, God, that I am not like that person!” We’re just like these Pharisaical politicians. This is what happens when we look to anyone but Christ for the truth. We look to our own moral superiority, completely losing sight of our own need for grace. And we end up blind to the humility that Jesus calls us to embrace.
Christ’s invitation is clear: turn from pride, look inward, and acknowledge our need for God’s mercy. Only then do we find true righteousness – not in tearing others down, but in being made whole in Him.
If Christ doesn’t return beforehand, the national election will end. A winner will be declared eventually, whether it takes several days or several weeks. The candidate each of us votes for may or may not prevail. What then? Do we have faith that God, the ultimate Authority of the heavens and the earth, can use either of these two seriously-flawed candidates to fulfill His purposes? Our response to that news, whenever it comes, will determine whether we do or don’t.
Just something for us to think about today.
Former Blackout Artist 