Contrast, in art, can be used to create a dramatic effect. Artists use it to draw the eye to the place that the artist desires. There can be contrast in color, texture, or any other element the artist deems important. The objective is to create a work of art that is breathtaking.
Contrast can also be used to highlight the difference between individuals. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus told a parable about two people. The parable highlighted the differences in the men. One man was a Pharisee. One definition tells us that the Pharisees were a community or sect of “separatists” that were known for their self-righteous religion and pride. The other man was a tax collector. At that time, tax collectors collected taxes from their own people on behalf of Rome; nobody liked them.
When the Pharisee came to pray and saw a tax collector, he prayed, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ (Luke 18:11-12 NLT.) He never got the memo about coming humbly before God. The other man approached God differently, “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ (Verse 13)
James 4:6 tells us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humility means believing what God says about you over anyone else’s opinion, including your own. Philippians 2:3 says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” As we conclude looking into Micah 6:8, let us remember that that Jesus ended the parable with these words, “I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Thought for Today: Friend, gives grace to the humble.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 