Saturday
21ST March 2020. Read Hosea 6:1-6, Psalm 51 and Luke 18:9-14)_
_“I tell you, this man went down to
his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will
be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” *(Luke 18:14)*_
There is a widespread dis-ease
affecting many of us today. It is called “comparing ourselves with others.” The
symptoms of this disease include: using other people to measure one’s progress
in life, doing everything in one’s power to put people down, and make them look
small and unimportant, talking about people in a bad light and praying against
others.
In my country, there is a type of
generator called “I beta pass my neighbour.” This philosophy of “beta pass
neighbour” is so entrenched in our psyches that we never appreciate anything we
have unless we are sure it is bigger, better, more sophisticated or more
expensive than that of others.
Until we learn to complement rather
than compete with people, the world would forever remain a place of enmity; a
jungle of some sort; an animal kingdom where the strongest survive at the
expense of the weak.
Knowing the weaknesses of others
should not make us puffed with pride, it should make us think of ways to help
them up. This requires humility; humility to know that your level in life came
not by your power but by the grace of God and others who helped you in the
past.
The second man in the parable of
Jesus came before God to pray and without raising his eyes to heaven simply
said: “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” In the end, his prayer was accepted
but the Pharisee only prayed to himself. As the Prophet Hosea makes us
understand: “God desires mercy and not sacrifice.”
Examination of conscience does a lot
of good for us; not only does it draw us closer to God (who loves the sinner
but hates the sin), it also helps us forgive those who hurt us. Do you consider
yourself better than anyone in any way? Then it is time to start examining your
conscience.
Above all, stop comparing yourself
with others. Acknowledge your sins and each day strive to be a better you than
what you were the previous day.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to
be content and help me examine my heart diligently. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent. Bible
Study: Hosea 6:1-6, Psalm 51 and Luke 18:9-14).
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