“But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” (Jn 12:42-43) Here the Holy Spirit links misplaced fear to a misplaced love. If I am seeking praise from people; if my energy goes toward impressing others; if the opinions of my community impact my decisions and my living… then I am on a roller coaster that Jesus never rode.
Even enemies noticed that the rabbi from Nazareth disregarded the addictive praise of his fellow man: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.” Am I swayed by men? “I go to church; I give a tenth of my income to God; I pray.” So? The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were the most religious of their day, but Jesus said, “Everything they do is done for men to see.” Religion can cloak our true motives, but Jesus looks straight into the heart. “Go to church, give your money, pray… but do you know my Father? Justice, mercy, faithfulness… these are the things that make him smile. Plant yourself in God and love, joy, and peace will spring from your life. Abide in me and patience, kindness, and goodness will define who you are. Let Living Water flow through you and faithfulness, gentleness, and self control will be evident. This fruit does not come from your religious efforts. Know God.”
People used to ask the late Keith Green how to enter the music ministry. “My answer to their question is almost always the same. ‘Are you willing to never play music again? Are you willing to be a nothing? Are you willing to go anywhere and do anything for Christ? Are you willing to stay right where you are and let the Lord do great things through you, though no one may really seem to notice at all?’…I repent of ever recording one single song and having performed one concert if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy or to sell out more completely to Jesus!”
Jesus set no ‘PR’ goals. His brothers questioned his strategy: “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” But these guys did not believe in their brother… so they didn’t really know God. Do I let myself be swayed by people who don’t really know God? Jesus made no plans apart from his Father. His focus was clear and uncompromised: “Here I am – I have come to do your will, O God.” The need of man was to believe who he was, but Jesus saw that people cared more about the accolades of their peers. “I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know you do not have the love of the Father in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44) Has anything changed?
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10