Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:

This is the opening verse of the parable “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector”. For the purposes of this segment, let us not talk about that example for a moment and concentrate on what Jesus said in this preamble to that parable.

Some people trust in themselves and treat others with contempt. The first part of this statement holds the key to the issue of sinners. It says nothing is wrong with me. They might very well love the life they live and are content enough not to contemplate a need for change. There is a medical term for that called narcissism.  That is name calling but so is calling someone a sinner. The second part of that statement is what I would like to focus on for a moment.

Why do people treat others with contempt? A simple answer might be they feel judged by others. Maybe they have. Society loves to point out unacceptable behaviors in their midst and sometimes they are unjust in their reproach. The Salem witch trials for example.

What if in spite of their love for their life, they have not found peace within themselves? Is it possible to love what you are doing without being in love with yourself? I think so. 

This is an area of life that can turn political so fast that it goes beyond the boundaries of ministering the gospel of peace. Finding those who do not have the peace of God is extremely difficult if they refuse to believe there is a God. Perhaps they refuse to believe because deep down they hate how they have been treated by those who profess they do believe in God.

In some regions of the world people are beheaded or stoned to death for believing something else besides the theocratic rule. Enforced religion is not choosing to believe, it is merely a fear of being persecuted and tortured. But that once again borders on politics.

What we, in Christ, would like to do is find those that are not at peace with their lives as they are living and offer them hope in discovering the peace of God which is found in repentance from a life of self interest. That is not easily done with a person who does not trust people who judge them openly.

John 12:47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

That is our example to live by faith. Peace be with you.

Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Remember how we got here.

This all began so long ago no one has the memory of its beginning. This life of faith did not begin with Abraham who has been credited with being the father of faith to three religions.

It began with Jesus. He told John that He was in the beginning, creating everything. Just how much faith did it take for Him to descend to earth and become the Son of Man? More faith than I have, I can tell you that.

If I had that kind of faith I would not cling so desperately to my phone and computer that allows me to read the bible and search His Word for His messages to me. He dwells within me and that is enough to live this life of faith.

But I am not perfected yet and I am hampered by this body that fails me in strength, endurance, sight and soundness. Paul talked about his thorn in the fletch, I hear you Paul, I hear you.

I am so grateful that I know with all the faith that I do have, I am not the man I once was in the flesh. I am a new creation and I do not remotely resemble the man I was. Thinking back to my first step of faith I can honestly say I did not know what I was doing. 

I said, “I don’t want to be like this any more.” Instantly one thing changed, not because I decided but because God heard my prayer, such as it was, and showed me His sovereign power over my flesh.

That was my founder but He wasn’t through with me. Slowly, all too slowly, He became the perfecter of my faith. Even today decades later He still is at work working out what dwells in me, His faithfulness, His righteousness, and His Holiness. I am what I am thanks to Him, and not something I have done for myself.

And now I am saddled with this enormous task of trying to show the lost that they too can have this life changing experience. If they want it.

There are none so lost as to think that they do not have to change. They are proud of what they are with a savior who makes all the difference in this life of faith.