If you’ve ever wondered how far God would go to show His love, look in the mirror and wonder no more. We need not look any further than ourselves to find the most shocking and amazing displays of God’s grace. If we think otherwise, it is only because we have not seen ourselves as we truly are.
It has been said and sung many times: “There but for the grace of God go I.” At first this sounds grateful, but such sentiment masks a dangerous pride. It is not unlike the parable Jesus told of a religious leader who prayed, “I thank you, God that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there” (Luke 18:11 NLT)! It is a view that focuses on someone else’s misfortune. Someone else is worse than I am. Much better to be thinking and praying, “Here, because of the grace of God, and for no other reason, am I.” I am the only person I truly know about when it comes to sin. I am the authority on the subject.
The proud Pharisee hasn’t a clue about the sinner — who he is or what he has done. He has no point of reference to judge the man’s life but from his own inflated view of himself. If he had even the slightest clue about his own sin, he would realize he doesn’t have a leg to stand on in the presence of a holy God. The only prayer any of us can pray on the subject of sin is the same one the sinner is praying: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is the only prayer that sends heaven scurrying.
It is best to steer completely clear of the comparison game. Any attempt to better oneself at the mercy of someone else will always bring a twisted view of both ourselves and others.
The immensity of God’s mercy is not displayed in what He did for the world, or for someone else. It is not displayed in someone else’s story about how low they were before Christ picked them up (of course, never as low as we would ever go — heaven forbid)! Nor is it discovered through some theological understanding or study of the many nuances of His grace. No, the immensity of God’s mercy is revealed finally — and only — in the incredible realization that, lo and behold, it found out the worst of the lot. God’s mercy looked down from heaven and found out me!
John Fischer The Catch 
Among the worst things Christians do is our constant participation in the “comparison game” (but of course, not me – I’m better than that!). 😉
But seriously, thank you for constantly focusing a light on the things we do that are SO far from Christ-like that make non-believers have no desire to be believers. Appreciate your constant (and sadly, much-needed) reminders that if we just walk in an attitude of gratitude then Christ will be glorified.
i’ll add another thx Pastor John and 2nd Lisa’s cooments…
Need to add a very big Amen to this: “God’s mercy is revealed finally — and only — in the incredible realization that, lo and behold, it found out the worst of the lot. God’s mercy looked down from heaven and found out me!” and a big Praise the Lord too!
I kinda always looked at that scripture like…….. That should be me, not them and I am so thankful for God’s mercy.