- One should not compare his transformed and renewed way of life to those around him thinkling that he is far off better than others.
- Spiritual renewal and transformation if not guarded by wisdom and discernment could lead to self-righteousness.
- Humility brings the truth that one can not possibly live a righteous life without the mercy of the Lord.
- The true essence of being transformed and renewed is not based on a new way of life but in the humility of heart to accept and cry out that as a sinner, one needs God's mercy.
- God's mercy in the hearts of men is Jesus Christ who saves you day in and day out.
Inspiration
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
-- Luke 18: 9 - 14
