4/23

John 12:43

⁴³For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Although these religious leaders believed Jesus was the Messiah, they wouldn't confess that He was for fear of being put out of the synagogue. They were afraid the Pharisees would no longer allow them to participate in the affairs of their community and in Sabbath worship. It would mean their community would shun them. There will always be a stigma attached to being a serious follower of Jesus. Belief that leads to salvation must be followed by confession (Romans 10:9-10).

The stumbling block for these leaders was their concern for the opinions of man. They loved the glory that comes from man, which is the praise and respect that people give to those they consider to be spiritual. It wasn't that they didn't want the glory that comes from God, but that they loved the glory from men more. Whose praise is more important to you?

There comes a time in every believer's life when he or she must choose. Will you confess you are a follower of Jesus, that He is the reason you live? Even pastors must decide whether or not they will be true to God's Word and calling on their lives or if they will live for the glory and praise of man. They must choose between what is acceptable to their culture and what the Bible teaches. There are bound to be many points of stark contrast, and God will ask us where we stand.

Consider: Are you willing to value most highly the glory that comes from God?