October 29, 2026

Welcome to the Weekly Devotional for the
Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church

with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor

Faith Like THAT Guy:

Humility, Mercy, and the Heart of Faith

Welcome, church, to today's devotion. I'm your Conference Superintendent, Steven Taylor. It's good to be together today! Our scripture for today comes from Luke 18:14, but I encourage you to find your bible and read Luke 18:9-14.

Focus Scripture:


“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14

From Pastor Steve

Perhaps you've heard the story of the man who arrived at heaven's gates, where St. Peter explained that he needed 1,000 points to enter. The man listed his good deeds: years of church involvement, serving on committees, helping others, and giving generously. But he earned only 327 points! He kept listing good deeds, eventually reaching 431 points. In desperation, he cried, "I'm sunk! Lord, all I can do is beg for Your mercy!" "THAT," exclaimed Peter, "is a thousand points!"

Jesus tells a similar story in Luke 18 about two men who went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, a respected religious leader. The other was a tax collector, someone generally despised by the people around him.

The Pharisee thanked God that he wasn't like other people, especially "that tax collector." In other words, "God, thank You that I'm not like THAT GUY!"

Meanwhile, the tax collector stood at a distance and prayed, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" And Jesus tells us that it was the tax collector who went home justified before God. What a reversal!

"Our faith in God directly affects our relationships with other people."

Our faith in God directly affects our relationships with other people. When we trust in our own goodness, we begin comparing ourselves with others, noticing their faults and failures. But when we recognize our own need for God's mercy, we begin seeing others differently.

As I've thought about this, I see three pitfalls we need to avoid.

First, trusting ourselves more than we trust God. We sometimes think doing enough good things will earn God's approval. But righteousness - being in a right relationship with God - comes through Jesus Christ, not our accomplishments.

Second, failing to see the image of God in others. We notice appearances, backgrounds, and differences. But every person is created in God's image and is someone Jesus loves.

Third, failing to acknowledge our need for forgiveness. The tax collector knew he needed God's mercy. And so do we.

Here's what I love about this parable: We have the potential to be either man at any given moment. We can be the Pharisee, pointing out everyone else's shortcomings, or the tax collector, humbly seeking God's grace.

The difference begins with prayer. "God, please show Your mercy and grace to me today because I am a sinner in need. Help me." That's a prayer worth praying every morning. The more we recognize our own need for grace, the more willing we become to extend that same grace to others. 

So here's my challenge for this week: When you encounter someone who's difficult to love, resist the temptation to say, "Thank God I'm not like THAT guy!" Instead, remember the tax collector. And pray for faith like THAT guy.

Reflection Questions

1. When are you most tempted to compare yourself with others rather than recognize your own need for God's grace?
2. Who might God be calling you to see differently and extend greater mercy toward this week?

Prayer

Gracious God, forgive me when I trust in my own goodness instead of Your mercy. Help me recognize my need for forgiveness and see Your image in others. Give me a humble heart to extend the grace You've given me through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Final Thought

Faith isn't about proving we're better than someone else. It's about humbling ourselves before God and allowing His grace to change how we see everyone else.

Blessings,

Steve