Steve had given his heart, soul and mind to the Lord for years. Not only had he tried to make his decisions in accordance with the teachings of Christ but he had also sacrificed countless hours and money toward spreading Christ's reign. By all counts he was a true servant of God. Like those of us who have served Christ for a long time, Steve faces one of Satan's most pernicious temptations which is to rely upon our track record of faithfulness.
Inevitably, whenever a person begins to rely upon "what I have done" as a measurement of how good I am, the result is to think lower of those who have done less. To some who were confident of their own righteousness Jesus told the parable of a tax collector and a Pharisee going to the temple to pray. Luke 18:9-14 This is not just another jibe at the Pharisees, this is Jesus' contrast of those whom the crowd would have considered "the best" and "the worst." In today's world perhaps he would have told the parable of the Sunday School teacher and the drug dealer or the preacher and the crooked politician.
The contrast between the two prayers is stark. The Pharisee used what would have been considered the right posture and good Jewish form in his prayer (he thanked God for his righteousness rather than taking credit for it himself.). By way of contrast, the tax collector did not use good form and his prayer consisted of one measly petition which admitted his gross errors, "God be merciful to me a sinner."
Then comes the unexpected ending to the parable. The "drug dealer," not that hard working servant of God, went home justified before God! The Pharisee's words had betrayed his spirit. He was relying upon what he had done resulting in a holier than thou attitude whereas the tax collector had come before God seeking His mercy.
How can a Christian fortify himself against a holier than thou attitude after having served God faithfully? Jesus pointed to the answer in Luke 17:7-10. Someone who serves God should realize that by doing what God wants of me I am only fulfilling my responsibility and purpose. I am not demonstrating my goodness nor building up a reserve of righteousness for boasting.
The secret to side stepping Satan's trap is in understanding the proper function and role of doing good. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works; this is our purpose. Ephesians 2:10 But when we fulfill God's intended purpose for our life this does not make us good or righteous, only unworthy servants who have simply done our duty. As such let us always come before the throne of God seeking His mercy and grace.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2001
Some articles which may be of interest:
When the Lord Takes It Personally
Paychecks & Ladders (Works righteousness)