Number One-Tuesday
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 that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Jesus performed many miracles in his life. Even with all of that unbelievable power, still there were those who would not believe he was the Son of God. But some did believe and among them were leaders among the Jewish community. But they hid their belief because, as John says, “they loved human praise more than praise from God.” Imagine if these leaders, who believed in Christ, humbled themselves and led others to believe? What would their community look like? What would their country look like? How would our world be changed today if they had led others to believe?
Pride is rooted in our desire to gain acceptance from others. God created us as relational beings. We want to love others and to be loved. But when we focus our attention on pleasing others rather than pleasing God, we make those relationships into idols. God calls us to a faith that is so much bigger than this world. Sometimes he calls us to do things that others will think are absolutely crazy. But imagine what our communities, country, and the future would be if, unlike those prideful leaders, we embraced humility, sought praise from our Father, and lead others to do the same.
- What is God calling you to humble yourself and do so that he can use you?
Memorize 1 Peter 5:6 this week.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
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