Scripture
John 12:42-43
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”
Observation
What a sad story is recorded here! These leaders saw Jesus face to face, talked with him, knew him…and even believed on him. Yet the thing that was most important to them was their status in the synagogue, and the praise of those around them.
Application
There are decision points in life–some big, and many small. The outcome of these moments is determined by my decisions, and my decisions are formed by that which motivates me. I make decisions, in order to get the things I desire. I may desire “stuff”, or I may desire money in the savings account. I may desire self-gratification, or I may desire to be generous and giving. In all of these things though, the decisions come down to a question of who I most desire to please. Do I want to please myself? Do I want to please others? Or do I want to please God? If my deepest desire is for anything other than pleasing God, then I cannot expect anything other than disappointment at the end of the journey.
This week, I need to examine my motives in the decision moments–and choose to please my heavenly Father, instead of trying to please myself or those around me.
Prayer
God, help me to see when my motivations are wrong. Help me to put Your approval and Your pleasure above all else. May I live my life for Your praise, even when it costs me the fleeting and temporary price of earthly approval.