it was not done for love of Him, but only for the gratification of his own pride; and. he had therefore no good intention in doing it.
We must pray with humility. The prayer of the Pharisee was worthless before God, because he extolled himself, and judged his fellow men uncharitably. Only humble prayers please God, and obtain a hearing.
The necessity of humility. The chief lesson to be learnt from this parable is contained in the words with which our Lord concluded it: “Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Without humility there can be no forgiveness of sins, no grace, no future happiness. It is, therefore, an indispensable virtue. Even as pride lies at the root of all sin, so is humility the foundation of all true virtue (chapter XXXIX). “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (James 4, 6).
APPLICATION. Ask yourself whether you are proud or self-willed? Do you give glory to God when you succeed in anything? Do you boast? Are you fond of talking about yourself? Do you take pleasure in praising others, or is it more pleasing to you to find fault with them? No other virtue is of any value in God’s sight, without humility. You owe to God everything that you are, or have, or can do; therefore, thank God and do not offend Him by pride. Be very careful to-day to utter no word in self-praise. Do not tell an untruth nor feign piety.
Chapter LI.
TEN MEMORABLE SAYINGS [1] OF OUR LORD.
I. “My doctrine is not mine[2], but His that sent Me. If any man will do the will of Him, he shall know[3] the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.”[4]
II. “I am the Light of the world; he that followeth Me[5], walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”[6].
- ↑ Ten Sayings. During the three years of our Lord’s public life He uttered many wonderful and beautiful maxims and sayings. Ten of these, rich in the most precious meaning, are here given.
- ↑ Not mine. Not the product of any human knowledge.
- ↑ He shall know. By his own inner experience.
- ↑ Speak of Myself, i. e. by mere natural human reason and knowledge.
- ↑ Followeth Me. i. e. My teaching and example, or, in other words, he who obeys My words and follows My example.
- ↑ The light of life. Which will guide him to eternal life, to the unfading light of glory, the splendour of heaven, and the Vision of God.
