Matt Richards
John 12:42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
For they loved the approval and the praise and the glory that come from men [instead of and] more than the glory that comes from God. (AMP)
From previous devotion Rogue traders, we have traded the Glory of God for cheap, tacky entertainment, and feel good sermons.
Many in this passage believed in Jesus. Many admired His teaching, but for fear of being rejected by the established church of the day, they stayed put and did not follow through.
They refused to confess Him before men and follow Him. They wanted Jesus, but still wanted to stay in the comfortable religious system.
Today, the same is true. People value the praise and acceptance of men, even the approval of religion more than Jesus.
They are men pleasers, not God chasers.
They have a secret problem, they are approval junkies. They secretly like and follow facebook pages, but never make a stand publicly for Jesus.
They are frightened to speak out against abortion, LGBT, infact any sin. They won't criticize this ludicrous lockdown and point people to end times.
Why? Because they love the approval of man more than God. Some fear criticism and rejection, some crave approval and adoration. They have traded the Glory of God for the approval of man.
They want to be praised for good works, they want to be approved by men, publicly patted on the back for charitable deeds and not look offensive, or controversial. Yep this is not just individuals: this is the 'church.'
How do I know? because I used to be like this; and still have to fight this in me. We all want acceptance.
But you know Jesus was offensive and controversial most of the time. Jesus was not a man pleaser, but a God chaser.
You know the way things are going if we don't become God pleasers first, we will be part of the great apostasy, the great falling away we see prophesied in the bible.
You can no longer stay on the fence. To truly follow Jesus, to truly obey Him, and live for Him. We have to give up our approval addiction.
When you have suffered REJECTION, you can be so wanting to be approved and loved that you become vulnerable to this.
The answer then is the approval and acceptance of Jesus.
When you know the approval of God, others approval or disapproval does not matter. You are safe, loved, and cherished no matter what others say about you.
Prayer:
Father forgive me for wanting the approval of man more than You. I don't want to trade my salvation or my walk with You for people pleasing. Help me to live for You and speak out for You today in Jesus' name amen.
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