"And He [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Parisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed this with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breat, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."
Luke 18:9-13
It seems Jesus was trying to show us the difference between the two men's attitudes.
The Pharisee boasted about what he's done and felt that God's blessing belonged to him.
While the Publican just humbly prayed that he didn't deserve anything and begged for His mercy.
But we must stand up in our righteousness that Jesus has given us [not our own righteousness which is as filthy rags].
We are to come boldly to the throne of grace, believing and confessing the Word and acting in faith.
Proverbs 28:1 says, "the righteous are bold as a lion."
But we are not to come with an arrogant, prideful attitude.
God's mercy, compassion and grace provided everything we have in Jesus Christ, and we must treat His blessings as a gift.
So we can be bold when we go before God, but always keeping a good attitude.
It's only by God's grace that we stand!
