The Power of Humble Hearts
06/09/2025
“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 18:14 (NIV)
In this verse, Jesus finishes telling a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood confidently, listing his religious accomplishments, proud of his morality and tithing. The tax collector, however, stood at a distance, wouldn’t even look up to heaven, and beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
And then, Jesus shocks His audience. The one who walked away justified wasn’t the religious man with the spotless resume, it was the broken man with the honest prayer.
In a culture that often celebrates image, success, and self-promotion, this story stands in complete contrast. It reminds us that God isn’t impressed with polished performances or religious checklists. He sees the heart. He listens for humility. He honors the soul that knows its need for Him.
Years ago, I heard about a man named James who had lived a hard life. Addiction, broken relationships, time in prison. One Sunday, full of humility and courage, he walked into a church. He didn’t have a suit or even a clean record. But what he did have was a soft, humble heart. When he prayed, he did it with sincerity. When he worshiped, it was if heaven was leaning in. He didn’t have all the right words, but he had the right posture: a heart bowed before God.
James, like the tax collector, understood his need. And just like that tax collector, he left justified, not because of his past, but because of his humility.
Here are some things you can do today to help on your journey.
Take time to evaluate your heart posture. Are you trying to prove yourself to God or receive His mercy?
Write a simple prayer of confession and humility, just between you and the Lord.
Practice listening more than speaking in prayer today. Let silence invite God’s gentle correction and grace.
Consider how you view others. Are you judging their outside while forgetting your own need for grace?
My challenge for you is this:
Let go of your spiritual résumé. Walk humbly before God. Approach Him not with your accomplishments, but with your need. He doesn’t turn away the humble, He lifts them up.
Lord, I confess that sometimes I come to You full of pride, thinking I’ve earned Your favor by my efforts. But I am nothing without Your grace. Thank You for seeing beyond my actions to my heart. Teach me to walk in humility, to see others through eyes of compassion, and to remember that I am always in need of Your mercy. Justify me not because of who I am, but because of who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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 18:14 (NIV)
In this verse, Jesus finishes telling a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood confidently, listing his religious accomplishments, proud of his morality and tithing. The tax collector, however, stood at a distance, wouldn’t even look up to heaven, and beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
And then, Jesus shocks His audience. The one who walked away justified wasn’t the religious man with the spotless resume, it was the broken man with the honest prayer.
In a culture that often celebrates image, success, and self-promotion, this story stands in complete contrast. It reminds us that God isn’t impressed with polished performances or religious checklists. He sees the heart. He listens for humility. He honors the soul that knows its need for Him.
Years ago, I heard about a man named James who had lived a hard life. Addiction, broken relationships, time in prison. One Sunday, full of humility and courage, he walked into a church. He didn’t have a suit or even a clean record. But what he did have was a soft, humble heart. When he prayed, he did it with sincerity. When he worshiped, it was if heaven was leaning in. He didn’t have all the right words, but he had the right posture: a heart bowed before God.
James, like the tax collector, understood his need. And just like that tax collector, he left justified, not because of his past, but because of his humility.
Here are some things you can do today to help on your journey.
Take time to evaluate your heart posture. Are you trying to prove yourself to God or receive His mercy?
Write a simple prayer of confession and humility, just between you and the Lord.
Practice listening more than speaking in prayer today. Let silence invite God’s gentle correction and grace.
Consider how you view others. Are you judging their outside while forgetting your own need for grace?
My challenge for you is this:
Let go of your spiritual résumé. Walk humbly before God. Approach Him not with your accomplishments, but with your need. He doesn’t turn away the humble, He lifts them up.
Lord, I confess that sometimes I come to You full of pride, thinking I’ve earned Your favor by my efforts. But I am nothing without Your grace. Thank You for seeing beyond my actions to my heart. Teach me to walk in humility, to see others through eyes of compassion, and to remember that I am always in need of Your mercy. Justify me not because of who I am, but because of who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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