Pronouns

Re:Verse passage – Luke 18:9-14 (day five)

“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’”

Did you notice all the personal pronouns? What we have here is a declaration not a conversation. The Pharisee seemingly addresses God, but in actuality he is talking about himself to himself. The KJV actually translates the preposition in verse 11 as “with” (himself). Isn’t that a sad description of the state of affairs in his head and heart. Empty and void of a relationship with the Lord.

Made me examine my own prayers and petitions. Are they more about me or more about God?  Sometimes,  I write out my prayers. A good indicator of who is the focus. Is there evidence of the Lord’s presence (confession and repentance)? See Isaiah 6.

Finally,  is there listening (at all)?  Whose words would I rather hear?  My own? Or, the Lord’s?

I am grateful for scriptures and parables that challenge, encourage, and direct me to have a vibrant relationship with the Living God.

Author: Scott Lane

Scott Lane is the Executive Pastor of Ministry at FBCSA.

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