The praise of men

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. – John 12.42-43

Jesus’ believers were everywhere. There were even some among the Jewish rulers. Apparently these were true believers in Christ. They were ‘saved’ or ‘born again’ as we would put it today.

However there is something sad about this situation. These Christians would not openly confess that they were Christians. They were afraid the Pharisees would kick them out of the synagogue.

Why?

Because they ‘loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.’

We are not even talking about being a ‘soul-winner’ or sharing their faith here. These guys were so afraid of losing their prestige and position that they would not even admit that they were followers of Christ.

It is one thing to not do our job of sharing our faith. It is quite another to not even admit openly that we are Christians.

But how many of us hide away in our communities and workplaces without anyone ever knowing that we are Christ-followers today?

What a shame for it to be said that anyone loves the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Instead of being critical of these guys maybe we each ought to take a moment or two and check out which praise we love more.