What attitudes in Luke 18:11 should we avoid in our daily interactions? The verse in focus “ ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.’ ” (Luke 18:11) Attitudes to avoid in our daily interactions • Self-righteousness – assuming moral superiority instead of recognizing universal need for God’s mercy (Romans 3:23). • Comparison-based pride – measuring worth by how badly someone else is doing (2 Corinthians 10:12). • Contempt for others – viewing people through a lens of disdain rather than of intrinsic value as image-bearers (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9-10). • Selective gratitude – thanking God for personal standing while ignoring His grace toward every sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Isolation of the heart – “stood by himself” signals a separation not only physically but relationally (Proverbs 18:1). • Labeling and stereotyping – reducing people to their worst sins or social status (Matthew 7:1-2). Scriptural cautions against these attitudes • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • “Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:3) • “The measure you use will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Why these attitudes harm kingdom living • They block genuine repentance—if I see myself as superior, I won’t seek cleansing (1 John 1:8-9). • They fracture community—pride erects walls where love should build bridges (Philippians 2:3-4). • They misrepresent the Father’s heart—He “desires mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13). • They rob God of glory—credit for righteousness belongs to Him alone (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Cultivating the opposite spirit • Practice daily confession—own shortcomings before God and others (Psalm 139:23-24). • Celebrate testimonies—rejoice when God lifts another rather than feeling threatened (Romans 12:15). • Serve quietly—choose unnoticed acts of kindness that dismantle pride (Matthew 6:3-4). • Speak blessing—replace labels with affirmations of God’s redemptive plan (Ephesians 4:29). • Remember the cross—equal ground for Pharisee and tax collector alike (1 Peter 1:18-19). |
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