Unboxed: Changed Foreverნიმუში

You know what bragging and complaining have in common? Whether you brag about yourself to others and think, “I’m smarter and better-looking,” or complain that “I’m dumber and uglier,” the focus is still the same – you. Why is that a big deal? Well, because you’re focused on the wrong thing. You’re measuring yourself against other people. Romans 12:3 says, “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” This can mean being honest with yourself. You didn’t deserve to be saved by Jesus. But he saved you, anyway!

In today’s passage, Jesus told a story in Luke 18 about two men: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee saw himself as better than he was and bragged about it. The tax collector could have done the same thing, but he didn't. Instead, he saw himself in light of who God is, brought his sins to God, and worshiped. That is what happens when you see yourself correctly, too! You will not be interested in bragging or complaining. Instead, you’ll begin to ask God for forgiveness, and you’ll want to worship him with your whole life.

Reflection Questions:

• Which do you tend to do most – brag or complain? How can you take the focus off of yourself and put it on God today?
• In Luke 18, the Pharisee struggles with comparison. Is there an area of your life where you face a similar struggle? Ask God to change your perspective.