Who Do You Trust?

In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus tells a parable of two men who went to the temple to pray, but only one went home justified.  Who do you trust for your salvation? The Pharisee displayed in Verse 11 whom he trusted--himself.  As he proudly stood and prayed for all to see, he said "I" five times in a meager two sentences. He spoke of his abilities and how much better he was than other people. He was self-righteous and trusted in himself for his salvation.  Conversely, the tax collector in verse 13 prayed as he beat his breast and proclaimed his sinfulness and asked for mercy. Jesus says this is the man that went home justified.  He trusted in God's mercy for salvation, not his abilities.  It is so easy  to be a well intended  Pharisee and focus on ourselves and our good deeds, but it is to our incredible detriment.  Yet, Jesus has paid it all and  in His mercy we should trust.  This is to our incredible blessing.  Will you go home justified?

"I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me." Romans 7:21