They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God

“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 12v42-43

All people love praise. Often those who most vocally proclaim that they don’t love praise are the ones who crave it the most. We just like to praised for who we are or what we do, or just praise in general.

Sadly, too often we seek this praise from the wrong source. We all love men’s praise because it is so close and so “real.” It is tangible and “here” so it can be more appealing than God’s praise which can seem distant, in the future, and somewhat vague.

Some of the rulers of Israel were in the same trap. The believed Jesus but they would not confess Him. They would have the praise of those around them than the praise of God Himself.

We can be critical all we want, but how often do we do the same? How often are our actions based on man’s praise instead of God’s praise? I wonder how our lives would be if we decided to always act in a way that would get God’s praise and not worry about how man would respond?