They loved praise from men
more than praise from God.
—John 12:43
I’ve had people tell me, “I don’t care what others think about me.” I have trouble believing that. Most—I almost said “All”—of us want to be liked, and we’re tempted to compromise to pull it off.
At least two members of the Sanhedrin were secret disciples of Jesus. They courageously dumped the “secret” part after the crucifixion (Jn 19:38–42).
John 12:42–43 sends chills down my spine: “Many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith . . . for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.”
We can’t serve two masters. If pleasing people is foremost, we give them power over us—a position which must be reserved exclusively for our Lord.
Compromising conviction is idolatry.