Loving the praise of man

John 12:42-43 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.


I think people in general fall into 5 categories when it comes to faith.

Some people, in fact many people, don't believe in God or put their trust in His son Jesus. They are clear about their lack of faith. They are not embarrassed by this or ashamed of this. I watched a 5 minute interview with Richard Dawkins who when asked 'would you like there to be a God' simply stated it was "a silly question and what he liked or not was irrelevant to the facts". When the same question was put to Ricky Gervais, a self confessed atheist, he replied "I wish there was a God but I know there isn't".

There are those who have a religious faith in a God of some form. Its not the God of the Bible but they follow a life of faith. There confession is neither ashamed or embarrassed.

Then there are those who openly confess their faith in God. He exists, He came to earth in the person of His son Jesus, is alive and well today working through His body the Church. There confession is equally unashamed or embarrassed. They don't have all the answers but are convinced of the reality of God. I think I safely fit in this category.

There are those who are exploring whether God is real and if Jesus is truly alive. They're undecided and open to suggestion. For the time being they are 'on the fence' and should be allowed the time to explore their faith and allow Jesus to reveal himself and the Holy Spirit to convict and save.

Then there is the last category. This is the category referred to in John 12. These people have been convicted in their heart and come to realise Jesus is the Christ. They believe in Him. The only problem is they are embarrassed. In truth they know their faith will alienate some people. They know some will mock and some will think less of them. But as John puts it "they loved human praise more than the praise of God". What a tortured life. To love someone but to love the praise of others more than that love.

The truth is if anyone should be ashamed or embarrassed it should be Jesus. To call us as His own is not a great acclaim. But nonetheless he call us His own. When we fail and bring His glorious name down by our sin He still calls His own. When we are at our worst He holds us close and calls us His. Let us not be ashamed to call Him our saviour. Let us not love the praise of man more than the praise of God.

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