John 5:44 “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?”

A close analysis of the times that Jesus talked about faith in one way or another would probably bring about a major shift in our understanding of faith. We would tend to think that someone would have to believe in God before they would seek His accolades, but Jesus here clearly puts it the other way around. That is, if we aren’t seeking His accolades, then we can’t really believe. That really wipes out “faith” that doesn’t follow through with heart attitudes and lifestyle. Everyone likes to be praised, but if we really believe God is, and that He cares about us and holds us responsible, then we will indeed seek to be praised by Him. Believing facts about God isn’t the same as believing Him. Once we believe that He exists and that He has spoken to mankind, then we have to believe what He has said and is saying. That’s where the rub comes in. When we value human opinions over God’s, then we will not, we cannot, accept what He says to and about us. Much has been said about Jesus’ statement that at the Judgment He will say to many people, “Depart from me; I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:21-23) I think this verse gives great insight as to how that can happen. We can have all the facts straight about God, but if we value human opinion over God’s opinion, we don’t really believe Him. We might be operating in the truth about God, and so even work miracles, but if He is not first in our personal values, it does us no good, because we have cut ourselves off from fellowship with Him.

This is a strong, clear word about a difficult subject. I’ve got to be very careful of my own priorities. Sometimes people say very flattering things about me, but if I let my head be turned because of those things, I am turning away from God. I must not do that! The more God graciously speaks and acts through me, the more people I care about will say nice things about me. However, if my motive is to have people say nice things about me, then I am in direct violation of what Jesus said in this verse. I cannot directly change someone else’s priorities, but I do need to be consistent in praising and encouraging the believers in ways that point them to God. We can’t earn salvation, and I must not give the impression that we can, but I need to make it clear that our gratitude for salvation should motivate us to seek to please God at all times and in all ways.

Father, thank You for this insight. I think I understand the Matthew 7 passage now better than I ever have before. Help me keep my priorities straight at all times. You know my weakness, and how I sometimes crave affirmation. Help me seek Your affirmation rather than that of men, so that nothing will interfere with my hearing and obeying You, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!