John 12:43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

This is a tragic statement, yet it is all too true so often, not just for the Jewish leaders back then but even for us today. The contrast between the praise of God and the praise of men is easy to express and understand, but loving anything more than we love God is a tragic waste. Physical sensations take that place for vast numbers of people, either the rush they get from drugs or alcohol or the pleasures of sex or even the rush of danger. However, all those things are momentary, and God is eternal. On a material level, it’s like comparing a marshmallow and a bar of gold. Likewise, many people love having power over others, as we see in politicians and dictators all the time, and the simple allure of fame traps many. That last factor has been one of the most destructive things about the Internet, with people doing almost anything to gain “friends” or “followers.” That’s exactly what John is talking about here. We need to be honest in examining ourselves to see what we love, and repent of placing anything ahead of God. It’s certainly not that we aren’t to love anything but God; Jesus explicitly commanded us to love each other. Also, pleasurable things aren’t in themselves evil, for the most part. God in His mercy created us to be able to enjoy all sorts of things. The problem comes when we place anything ahead of God, because that is idolatry, whether we realize it or not. That is one reason why it’s important to thank God for everything, because recognizing that what we enjoy comes from God, we keep Him in first place.

Of course this applies to me as much as it does to anyone else. I am deeply grateful for the wife God gave me over 54 years ago, and I love her to a degree that is actually an inspiration to quite a few people who know us. However, I must not love her more than I love God. Knowing that He created her for me and me for her helps me love Him more! Over the past almost 75 years I have loved many things, from photography to music to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, but all of those things are ephemeral compared to God. The question comes to me of which of the Greek words for love John used here, but that’s almost immaterial. I certainly don’t eros God, but my feelings for and commitment to Him must take precedence over any and every other thing in my life. He alone is worthy of that level of devotion.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the various loves with which You have surrounded me, all of which, properly understood, express Your love for me. Help me indeed love You above and before everything else. Thank You. Praise God!