Today’s Devotion
Topic: Which Do You Prefer?
Text: John 12: 42-43
42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. Amen.
Human praise is the most unreliable deed to trust. It may or may not necessarily represent what is true. Those who hurl these praises have several reasons for doing so. They are not called “Praise singers”, “boot-lickers” and sycophants for nothing. They must look out for their interest first. If making you feel good about yourself or a situation offers them some form of benefit, why not! Unfortunately most of us enjoy the praise of men and will do anything to be acclaimed by our peers one more time.
We believe in Jesus and have privately accepted Him as our Lord and Savoir. However, we are concerned about our unbelieving friends. Not as to win them for Christ but, concerned that we may lose them if we practice our faith publicly. So we loosen our grip on Christian values so we can blend in.
In effect, every Friday night you are with them to chill, you listen and dance to the same music they love. The only difference is, they take hard liquor and you just want beer. They have several sexual partners aside their spouses, but you are decent, you are keeping just one.
You are aware of all their deals in the office; you don’t want to be a “chuker” so you consent to their schemes and give your share of the returns to charity. When colleagues gossip, lie, steal and scheme evil in your presence, you watch them with a firm look and shake your head. They then come over to your desk and hail you with praises; “Osofo oo, Chief Chief, Bossu, Sofo maame and Aho)f3”.. You smile and reluctantly ask them to quit the flattery. Well they neither stop the flattery nor the social vice they were practising because you actually said nothing about that one.
Due to your compromising attitude, they “love” and praise you all the time. They say you are the “coolest guy” or the “nicest lady” around. They compare your lifestyle with that of other born again believers and say you are not like those people who have taken Christianity “personal”. But come to think of it, if a believer does not take Christianity “personal”, what else must he/ she take “personal”. Is this faith not the way of life prescribed by the Holy Scriptures for all who seek the land above?
Mind you, the things that the Father applauses us on, may not necessarily meet the expectations of man. They are those practical things that have eternal value. For instance, being faithful with little things, being a good steward, praying, showing kindness, giving, obedience, hospitality, forgiveness, winning a sinner for the Lord (that one actually brings all heaven on its feet) and above all; faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (for without faith it is impossible to please God).
All the above may be contrary to the expectations of your colleagues. They may shun your company, ridicule and in some instances, even persecute you. But cheer up for “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10, NLT). Begin to pray now. SEEK TO PLEASE THE LORD ALWAYS.
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