“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 12:42-23

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day should have been the first to recognize that he was the prophesied Messiah. They were the most well-read concerning the law and, in theory, the most knowledgeable about the things of God in their lifetimes. Sadly, most of them loved politics more than God and, ironically, were willfully hostile to the King of all kings.

What’s more, the Bible mentions that in their passion for prominence, they even went so far as to dissuade others in power from following Jesus. They wielded the “left foot” of fellowship, the threat of excommunication, with malice.

Of course, we can’t lay all the blame in this matter on the Pharisees, can we? No, the Scriptures above declare a choice was made by these “believing” chief rulers. They chose not to follow Jesus, even though deep down they knew he was the One. Why? Because they loved the accolades of men more than the approval of God.

Friends, so many people today fall into this same trap. They are looking for and cherish the approval of man more than the approval of God. This is a dangerous path and a quick trip to frustration and heartbreak. Why? Well, you know enough about humans to know that we will never find lasting approval from man, right? People are fickle, and the temporary approval we may find will never satisfy for long. We are just too needy.

So, what’s the solution? We’ve got to get to the point that God’s opinion is the only opinion that matters and His evaluation is the only one we are trying to live up to. I mean, think about it. His opinion and judgment on our lives is the only one that will stand in the end!

Romans 14:10 declares, “… for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” There will be a day for us all in which we stand before Jesus and give an account of the things said and done by us in this life. At that moment all the pats on the back that you received from man won’t mean a thing. Their opinion of you won’t sway Jesus one bit. All the nice things people said about you, they won’t cause Jesus to change his mind about where you stand with him and his Father. No, all that’s going to matter on that day is whether you’ve lived in such a way as to allow Jesus to say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Sobering thought, right?

With that said, it’s good to know that the one whose opinion really matters has a high opinion of you as a follower of him. When looking for approval, affirmation, and a “that a boy” or “that a girl,” we just need to rest assured that he’s the one who has already accepted you! Ephesians 1:5-6 states, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Did you catch that? You’re already accepted and approved by him because you trusted him as your Savior!

Brothers and sisters, there seems to be a deep desire in most of us to be affirmed by the people around us. Most everyone wants to be liked, to be respected, but that’s all a slippery slope off a high mountain cliff. The only approval you need is that which comes from God and His Son Jesus. Let’s determine to keep our priorities in line with this truth and quit chasing the praise of mankind.

Greg Crum is the pastor of Calvary Temple in Lovely.