Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. John 12:42 & 43Do you need the praises of men? Why do you do what you do?
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Gal 1:10
I've come face-to-face with what it feels like when I've done what God wants me to do but I don't get men's approval.
Doing what God wants has to be enough reason to do it.
Think about that. It has to be enough. For that's when I seek the praises of God. It hurts really bad to seek the praises of God by being obedient to Him - while others don't recognize or even criticize. But with this kind of hurt comes freedom and peace.
On the other hand, to do it while expecting the praises of men can feel great for a long season. Until, of course, men no longer praise you. It is easy to be lulled into making decisions and doing good when what you do is accompanied by pats on the back.
I've done both. I like the peace that God gives best.
Our Father does want us to seek the counsel of the redeemed. But He warns us not to seek their praises. He loves us enough to warn us.
God has to be enough.
Make sense?
