“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-17 (NIV)

Dear Righteous Lord, 

We’d all like to think we could be good, do good, look good. But our motives are often mixed. Even in the midst of worship, thoughts contrary to our fellowship with You execute a drive-by-shooting and riddle our mind with condemnation, petty emotions, discontent. What was pure and lovely one moment has been assaulted. We look down  and feel unclothed, exposed. 

Thank you, Jesus,  that one day our mind will be free indeed. Old things will surely pass away. Until that day comes, we boast not in our self-made fig leaf coverings, but in Your Robe of Righteousness, now ours! You have clothed us from Your own closet — Your own Goodness Label! It wears well. It looks so wondrous on You. Help us fit into those same “clothes” by grace. Let Holy Spirit power be at work fitting us for life! Let it be said of us this day, that we “clean up well” in Your holy Attire. 

In Jesus Name Forever