SEEKING THE PRAISE OF MEN
People often know about some of the activities in which we engage as Christians. In many cases others actually see or hear what it is that we are doing in the Lord’s cause. For instance, when we assemble for public worship, others see that you and I partake of the communion. If we turn in a “visitation report,” at least some will learn of our work in this area. And, there is the work of elders, preachers, those who lead in worship, and others — what they do is out there in the open for all to observe.
When you and I visit a sick person in the hospital, is it with the hope that somehow word will get around about our interest in people’s welfare and we will be praised? When we teach a Bible class, are we doing so with the desire that others will heap praises on us? If our heart is right, when we do what a member of Christ’s church ought to be doing, we are not seeking the praise of men. Our simple desire should be to please the Lord, period.
Jesus spoke of those who “sounded a trumpet” when they gave alms. The Lord called them “hypocrites,” saying they did it “that they may have glory of men” (Matthew 6:2). He further labeled as “hypocrites” those who “love to pray…that they may be seen of men” (Mathew 6:5). The Christ also identified as “hypocrites” those who disfigured their faces when they fasted “that they may appear unto men to fast” (Matthew 6:16). Again, He applied the term “hypocrites” to those that “for a pretence make long prayer” (Matthew 23:14).
Giving alms, fasting, praying, loving to pray, and making long prayers (as noted above) was not the problem. None of these things were wrong in and of themselves. Yea, scripturally speaking, what could one have against such actions? The problem with some in the first century was they did these things in order to be seen and praised by men. Their main concern was looking good in the eyes of other people. That was sinful, and that is why Jesus called them “hypocrites.”
Later, there were those who refused to confess Jesus. Why? “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). We find such an attitude disgusting, do we not? And yet, if we are not careful, we will find ourselves doing things just to please others and to be praised by them.
Beloved, we must strive to please God, not impress men (Galatians 1:10).