‘It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.’ — St Augustine (354–430)

Prologue

In an era where self-promotion and personal achievement often overshadow humility and genuine self-reflection, the ancient parable of the Pharisee and the Publican offers a timeless mirror to our modern lives. This reflection explores how the Biblical parable provides essential insights into combating the contemporary challenges of arrogance and fostering a spirit of humility across various facets of life — from personal spirituality to social media dynamics. We’ll see how timeless wisdom from scripture can directly address the complexities of our interactions, whether online or in person, urging us to choose humility over hubris.

Parable illustration

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a powerful parable contrasting two figures: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee enters the temple confidently as if he belongs there. He prays not with gratitude, but with pride, saying:

“God, I thank you that I am not like other people — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” 

He boasts about his fasting and tithing, focusing not on God but on his own accomplishments. While fasting and giving are commendable practices, they become corrupted when used to elevate oneself rather than deepen one’s relationship with God. This shift in focus illustrates how even virtuous acts can lose their value when tainted by arrogance.

As John Chrysostom (349–407), a revered early church orator, pointed out, “It wasn’t the Pharisee’s fasting or tithing that condemned him, but his lack of humility.” His spiritual pride ultimately distanced him from God, despite the outward appearance of piety.

Meanwhile, the tax collector stands off to the side, unable even to look up to Heaven. He beats his chest — a raw expression of repentance — and whispers, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” His prayer, grounded in the Jewish traditions of contrition, where a humble heart is valued above outward piety, starkly contrasts with the Pharisee’s arrogance.

Humility in public spaces

The dynamic between the Pharisee and the Publican plays out clearly in social media and professional settings, where the pursuit of recognition can overshadow collaboration. Platforms filled with achievement-based validation can turn us into modern Pharisees, constantly comparing ourselves to others for approval.

As C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) points out in Mere Christianity, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” In these spaces, humility redirects our focus from personal gain toward serving. The same principle applies to professional environments, where leaders are most effective when acknowledging collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

Descartes (1596–1650) reminds us, “Just as it is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to apply it well.” Similarly, in social justice work, the Pharisee’s attitude of placing being right above being effective can creep in. The Publican’s humility reminds us to listen more and speak less — a principle echoed in James 1:19:

 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

 When we engage with humility, we prioritize understanding over winning arguments, fostering deeper learning and collaboration.

Cheap vs. costly grace

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945), in The Cost of Discipleship, warns against “cheap grace,” which he describes as “grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.” Cheap grace offers forgiveness without repentance or transformation. It’s the kind of grace that expects change without effort — a “get-out-of-jail-free” card.

In contrast, costly grace demands humility and self-awareness, like the Publican’s plea for mercy. It asks us to acknowledge our flaws and commit to meaningful change, even when it is uncomfortable. Are we willing to accept the kind of grace that challenges us and requires real transformation?

Paul’s call to grace and humility

The Apostle Paul offers his version of this journey in Philippians 3:13–14:

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

Like the Publican, Paul reminds us that grace is a process, not a one-time event. We must constantly reflect on our actions, strive to improve, and remain open to transformation — mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, and spiritually. As R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) put it, “The human condition: lost in sin and in need of grace.”

Living grace in a modern world

The story of the Pharisee and the Publican reveals that grace is not an abstract ideal but a way of life to be actively lived. Every moment presents a choice — to seek recognition for ourselves or to serve others humbly —  guiding and shaping our actions with genuine humility and compassion.

This parable invites us to adopt and adapt virtues anchored in Scripture, helping us navigate praise, failure, and comparison in our online and offline lives. As Philippians 2:3 reminds us:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (ESV).

Each decision challenges us to reject pride and self-righteousness, urging us to embrace humility and grace as guiding values instead.

Epilogue

As this reflection concludes, let’s see the Pharisee and the Publican not as characters from the past, but as reflections of our daily choices. Their story challenges us to cultivate a lifestyle of compassion and empathy. Every interaction and decision becomes an opportunity for grace, reminding us that true virtue lies not in self-promotion, but in the quiet strength of a humble spirit.

Thank you for reading my heart♥