The Parables of JesusSample

PHARISEE AND TAX COLLECTOR
Again Jesus challenges us to ask where our confidence in our righteousness comes from--Christ or our self-control?

It's important to note that our actions are important, and Godly living, not just Godly thinking, is something a disciple is continually working towards, a process called sanctification. But those actions do not save us; they should be done as a result of our salvation. Our confidence is never in our actions to save us, but in Christ and Christ alone. Our new actions come as a response to the undeserved love and forgiveness of Jesus, not to earn or keep His love.

When you come to Christ today, are you coming in confident pride of how well you've kept the law, or in humility of how you cannot be righteous outside of Christ? Is your soul puffed up from good actions, or humbled at the love of Christ overcoming all of your failings to love and reconcile you to Himself?