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Do you ever wonder what God wants from you?
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus pulls the rug out from beneath those of us, who would like an orderly checklist of behaviors that secure our favor with Him. Instead of giving approval to the Pharaoh, who promotes a highlight reel of his own good tithing and fasting habits, He approves of the tax collector, who recognizes his own sinfulness and beseeches God for mercy.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted," Jesus teaches.
So, does God want us to loathe ourselves and focus exclusively on our shortcomings?
No - God just wants a place in our hearts. And there is no room for Him when we are full of pride, perfectionism, judgment, and the cringeworthy sense of superiority that the Pharaoh exhibits in the parable.
God wants us to know his unconditional love, forgiveness, majesty and power so well that we see ourselves more clearly too (flaws and all) and trust Him enough to lay down the burden of our egos at his feet.
When we ask God for mercy, He can lavish us with it - and that's all He really wants to do.
Today, my prayer is that you can trust the Lord enough to let your guard down and receive Him into your heart - no matter how tangled and messy it is at the moment. I pray you can fully receive His great love for you and be empowered to share that love with others.
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