PRAISE OF MEN

In order to believe on the Lord Jesus, one must desire God’s approval more than anyone else’s. He must seek the honor that comes from the only God. How can we be in total communication with God while seeking the praise of men? Truly, a man cannot have two masters, his soul is divided between them both. A double minded man gets nothing from the Lord.

The Christian walk requires us to have faith in the true God and His Son Jesus Christ. Not in men who are flattering with their mouth’s and lying in their thoughts, wanting to lead us to destruction. Men may give you flattery and praise however, the cost may be to high to bear. Your loyalty will be required from them, in turn your faith in God will suffer great lose.

I am not implying the we should not honor those in authority over us. Such as; Pastors, Teachers, law officers and government leaders, these were designed by God to keep the peace and look out for the welfare of the population. They all deserve the respect of their positions. Likewise the church has positions that are ordained of God, these also must have the respect due to the office God has placed them in.

The problem comes as we look to other individuals for praise or acknowledment. John 5:44 makes this clear.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that comes from God only?

This verse is talking about the Jewish people not wanting to accept Christ because of the rejection of their own friends. We see also Nicodemus, he visited Jesus by night so as not to be seen by his peers. Honor is lost when one divides loyalty. To divide our loyalty between God and man will cause the loss of our close relationship with God. God will not give His glory to any man. (Isaiah 42:8)

Joh 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

There were chief Priest’s and Pharisees that believed who Jesus was but, the pressure from their peers kept them from making a commitment to the Lordship of Christ. Is the fear of man keeping you from speaking to others the mighty wonders and works of God? This is the time to spread the Gospel throughout our own neighborhoods. Men will grow worse and worse as time goes by, but now is the time for the Saints of God to shake off the fear of their fellow humans and spread the Gospel to all that will listen.

Fear of man will put us in bondage to that fear.

Job 32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

There is only one person that has given His life for us, His name is Jesus the Christ, to Him belongs all the honor, glory and praise. Give your life to His in complete surrender, and allow the Holy Spirit full access to everything in your life.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Al S.