The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches
us the difference between religious life and spiritual life. The
Pharisee is religious but not really spiritual. The Tax Collector is spiritual
but not really religious. These words can be confusing as their meaning
overlaps. To understand this teaching we need to think of ‘religion’ as formal
teachings and outward ways of showing devotion to God. In contrast we can
think of spiritual life as what goes on inside a person – in their
heart. Do they really love God and other people - or is what they do just a
show to gain approval by other people?
1.
In Luke
18.4-14 Jesus teaches us the importance of repentance
