When we read or hear about the faults of others, it seems so glaringly obvious. “How could someone make that mistake?” “What were they thinking?” These are a couple of questions we might readily or subconsciously ask. It is especially easy to stand in judgment looking in from the outside. Consider the various interactions Jesus had with the Pharisees in Luke 13-14. Their pride and hypocrisy is blatant and egregious. Surely their sin is next level, we might think. This natural thought process is a result of a self-absorbed condition of the heart. We naturally overlook or excuse our own failures and shortcomings since we prefer to look at the faults of others. In fact, our sin is not the only thing we tend to overlook. Selfishness is blind to the needs of others. We can become detached from those whom God has placed in our lives. Self-absorption is subtle and slow working. It’s why it’s so difficult to identify. In Luke 14, Jesus confronts the hard-hearted Pharisees for caring and thinking only of themselves. The “charitable” deeds they would perform were primarily motivated by selfish ambitions (what would benefit them or showcase their righteousness). Their self-centered perspective prevented them from loving God and loving others. In the end, the parable Jesus uses exposes their pride, which ends up being their demise (14:11, 24). May God help us to humble our hearts enough to care for those around us. Train yourself to be “others-focused” and not self-focused. We do not come by this naturally. It will take intentional effort. We can do this by considering passages like Romans 12:15. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” For me, this means resisting the urge to empathize with people by simply sharing a similar experience. Instead, look for ways to serve them and praise God for them. Philippians 2:3-4 is always a helpful reminder. Paul tells us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition…but in humility count others more significant than yourself.” Let Jesus be your example and your help (Phil 2:6-8). May God get the glory as we find delight in serving others while resisting selfish ambitions. – Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Parable of the Two Sons–Matthew 21:28-32
10AM: Pastor Rory–A Man Who Humbles Himself–Luke 14:7-14 (sermon notes)
6PM: Pastor Rory–Evening Gathering–Proverbs 16:17-20
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