Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 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!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Notice in the parable that God is going to get involved in the life of the person who exalts himself. And it’s not going to be good. But God is also going to get involved in the one who humbles himself. And it’s going to be good! Pride. Pride is that thing inside of you that keeps you from and causes you to. - Pride is the one thing that keeps you from celebrating other people’s success. - It’s the one thing that keeps you from initiating an apology when you know that you’re wrong. - It’s what causes you to always want to have the final word. - It’s what causes you to buy things to impress people who aren’t even paying attention to you. Pride is the first and original sin. Pride is what made the devil, the devil. The core of pride is the desire to lift up and exalt ones self and think, “I’m pretty special.” Pride makes you bigger and God smaller. Pride makes you bigger and other people smaller. Pride puts you in the center of your universe and everyone else is somehow here for your convenience; to serve you. We live in a world where pride has become a virtue. Pride will twist character flaws and sexual deviances and sins and turn them into rights that we flaunt and celebrate. Pride causes us to defend and celebrate our worst qualities. Who will be a victim of your pride today? Will it be your family? Will it be God? This parable that Jesus uses highlights all the ugliness of pride but all the beauty of humility. Put on your crash helmet. Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 1. Pride is evidenced by mocking or scorning. 2. Pride is evidenced by boasting. 3. Pride is evidenced by self deceit. 4. Pride is evidenced through defensiveness. 5. Pride is evidenced by defiance. Pride is all about image management. Why would we not go to an altar to pray when the Holy Spirit has moved upon us? Image management… Pride. Someone might get the wrong perception of us. There’s a better way. It’s in the parable; humility. Luke 18:13 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!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus makes a powerful statement; exalt yourself and you will be humbled. Humble yourself and God and exalt you. Humility gets the attention and the presence and the power of God. Pride is the enemy of God. James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Jesus teaches us that humility lays down whatever rights we think we have for others. Jesus is the example of humility because he leaves glory to come to the gutter of this planet and yet he didn’t lose any of his glory, his glory changes the gutter. Jesus is the example of humility because he used his power not to make himself more exalted, but to use his power to save others. When someone needs a good word give it. When someone needs a hug give it. When someone needs assurance give it. When someone needs a break give it. Jesus came to serve and seek lost people… Do that! Jesus came and laid down his life – he wasn’t demanding other people lay down their lives – do that! It’s the kindness of Jesus that led to repentance – do that! Instead of standing over someone try kneeling with them. Instead of making someone cry try understanding them. Instead of withholding grace tried pouring it out upon them. Instead of folding your arms try extending your arms. Instead of balling your hands into a fist try holding someone else’s hand. Instead of slamming the door behind you try opening the door. Instead of running away from everybody try running to them. Instead of making people bleed try healing their wounds. Instead of crushing them try lifting them. Instead of vomiting out reckless words that gash and cut, try saying words that will completely and utterly defeat Satan at that moment.