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

It is indeed the natural way of man to constantly seek the approval of others. Teenagers, for example, look to their peers in particular as a means of gauging their own worth. John reveals this as a widespread human condition: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

But don’t get John wrong. It is not wrong to be praised by others. For, if it is wrong to be praised by men, then we sin when we praise someone. Our Lord praised those who had done well. He praised a poor widow for giving all to God (Mark 12:43). He praised some for their great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28). The apostle Paul praised some brethren for their great works in the Lord (Romans 16:3-4; Philippians 2:20; Philemon 1:7).

Consider the context of John 12:43 where this statement was made. “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: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43).

John was referring to the chief rulers of the Jews. These men loved their social status more than they loved the name of Jesus. By confessing Christ they knew they would run the risk of losing their places of honour and contempt of men, and therefore they chose rather not to confess Christ. They were too concern about their status and were ashamed to admit their faith in Jesus. They preferred men’s approval rather than God’s approval.

It is this praise seeking attention that God condemns. Jesus spoke of the hypocrites that prayed and gave gifts to be seen by men (Matthew 6:1-5). It gives me gooses bumps whenever a preacher tells a congregation he has preached for over so many years in so many countries and baptised so many people, and written so many books. I dislike introducing foreign preachers and I would let someone else do it; I just don’t enjoy reading out that long list of credentials. It’s not that I’m jealous but I don’t think they are important. Like Paul, I consider them as “dung” (Philippians 3:8). Even if it is good deeds, it does build up their pride and importance. And as Jesus said: “They have their reward” (Matthew 6:2, 5). That is, they have obtained the applause they seek and hence this applause is all they will have, there is therefore no further reward to be looked for or obtained from God. I would prefer to wait for God’s reward rather than men’s applause.

But having said that, let us not be miser in giving honour when honour is due. Good words are sweet to the soul and health to the bones. They do motivate and encourage another person to continue in the good works. But pray that the recipient does nor become inflated with pride upon receiving it.

We need to take our Lord Jesus as the example of not seeking His own glory but of the Father. He didn’t come down as a handsome and mighty king; He came as a servant (Philippians 2:7). He was not born in a king’s palace but in an animal shed (Luke 2:7). Yet, in spite of His humble background, He was exalted on high. “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

If we have the same attitude of not striving for reputation, God will exalt us: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

When you are easily discouraged, irritated, or angry when your efforts are not appreciated by others or when others receive credit for something they had done and yours were not mentioned, you are seeking the praises of men. Men’s approval is not important and it lasts only for a moment whereas God’s stamp of approval ensures an eternal reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant….enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Seek the praise that is from God!

Let us serve God with humility. Even if we think we have done much for the Lord, we are still “unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:10). Let us seek to glorify God and not ourselves.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.