"My Perfect Place"

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." (Psalms 138:6)

   As I was reading this verse, I was reminded of all the verses that I know that speak to humility and what it means to be humble before the Lord. One in particular, was when Jesus told the story of two men going into the temple to pray; one of which was a Pharisee, the other a publican. (Luke 18:10-14) You should know the story, as it is one that is a popular illustration of the proud putting down others and lifting up themselves. As hard as it is to understand, pride comes in many different forms and many different areas of our lives. We can be humble in one respect, and as quick as we can turn around, be prideful in another. It is just the way that we are wired, so don't let it ruin your day. If you really want to know the truth, anyone that can live a completely humble life, is something that has suffered great humility. And even then, they still might have a little spot of pride within their heart. To get right down to it, this is more about our relationship with a Holy God; which, if you are in touch with your degree of sin, meaning the sinfulness of your heart and mind, then you know where your holiness rates in comparison to your Holy God. It is pretty low, to say the least! One more reason for the thankfulness of our heart, because God loves to show mercy! Picture the story in your mind, as Jesus shares His heart and the heart of our Father; and imagine if it were you that had the power to forgive, which on of these people would you be incline to hug! Because when we receive a hug from our Heavenly Father, there is no better place to be! Pay attention to who the Pharisee prays with, because God is afar off...

""The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 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. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."" (Luke 18:11-14)