So often we act as the Pharisee …
““Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’” Luke 18:10-12
When you have much – you don’t need to flaunt what you have. I’ve met some pretty wealthy people who one would never know had much money based on their house, car or lifestyle.
This is how we should live in our Christian lives. Humility and service built upon the fact that we have everything as children of God. We don’t need to flaunt and show off by bringing bedazzled prayer or gem-filled actions.
Often we hear many speak pious language and talk about holy things. But in the end, it may be that all they say and do is actually said and done as a way of glorifying themselves in the sight of others. This is the struggle of the Pharisees. Sadly, those who struggle with this, just like the Pharisees, may even be fooling themselves into thinking they are exceptionally close to God.
But, their pride has blinded them. The goal of our lives must be to humbly point to God and offer all glory to Him, not to ourselves. This can be very hard, but when done well, as an act of the utmost humility and truth, we realize that God actually does draw us into His glory and allows us to share in the honor that we owe to Him. Only in this way do we come to realize our true dignity as His sons and daughters. When we realize who we are (children of The Most High), we don’t need to brag or call the spotlight upon ourselves. When you know all the gifts and riches you have, there is no need to show them off.
In this we begin humbly pointing to God in all things, we are also lifted on high by God Himself.
“On several occasions, I have learned how some religious defend their own glory under the pretext of being concerned for the glory of God, whereas it is not a question of the glory of God, but of glory of self. O Jesus, how painful this has been for me! What secrets the day of Your judgment will bring to light! How can one steal God’s gifts?” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1149