SCRIPTURE
"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 glory more than the glory of God." (John 12:42-43)
OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching at the Passover festival. He performed many signs, yet some of the people who witnessed them still would not believe. There were others, however, including the leaders, who did believe. But they kept their faith a secret because they were afraid of the spiritual cops (the Pharisees) who would kick them out of the synagogue. John tells us why: they loved human glory more than the glory of God. They wanted human applause, approval and adulation more than God's. Their position in the country club was far more important than openly acknowledging their faith. They did acknowledge it, they knew they believed and if pressed they may cave in and admit it. They were not going to rock the boat by doing anything "radical"...like having people find out they followed Jesus.
APPLICATION
Ouch. I can be the same way. Given a particular setting, I can keep my faith a secret. Not that I'm afraid to be kicked out of a particular group but in those moments I desire their approval more than God's. There is always someone around who will look with disapproval on my relationship with Christ. I need to seek God's approval, because in the end that is what ultimately counts.
PRAYER
Father, I desire to live for your glory to seek your praise rather than the praise of people.
