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When Paul wrote the Romans, he exhorted them, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3). We also must be careful not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. Let us look at some people in the Bible who thought too highly of themselves, and learn how we should not act.

    Luke 18:9-14 records the parable of a Pharisee and a Publican who had come into the temple to pray. Jesus spoke this to, “certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.” Let us contrast these two prayers.

    The Pharisee prayed, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Lk. 18:11-12). Luke 18:13 records the publican’s demeanor and prayer: “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.”

    What was missing from the Pharisee’s prayer? It was humility! We need to be careful lest we fall into the same trap as the Pharisee! Too many act as if they are above sin. They need to read Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:1-4; Hebrews 3:12; James 1:14-15; and other related verses that show that we can sin. Let us not become so arrogant that we think we have not sinned (Prov. 6:17; I Pet. 5:5-6; I Jn. 1:8, 10)!

    Many remember the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32). Many fine sermons have been preached concerning that lost boy. However, let us focus on the elder brother in Luke 15:25-32.

    Let us begin in Luke 15:28-30 where the father asks his eldest son to come in. “And he (the eldest son) was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”

    This brother had a very bad attitude. He was so arrogant that he refused to acknowledge his brother as his brother. He said, “as soon as this thy son…” (v. 30). His attitude was one of being “holier than thou.” He was a liar also. He had the gall to say that he had never transgressed his father’s law (Lk. 15:29). That is hard to believe in light of Romans 3:23; I John 1:8 and 10, etc.!

    The elder brother looked down his nose at his brother who was trying to make things right. Do you know people like this? Do you look down your nose at others?

    These two examples are given to show us how NOT to act. These people had the wrong attitude toward God and His law. However, they could be forgiven, if they repented of what they had done (Acts 17:30). So can we! Let us not be guilty of thinking too highly of ourselves.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167