Key Text: John 5:41-44
I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 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?
Theme:
Christians must be vigilant that their focus remains on God rather than on themselves or other people. We, like Jesus, must value the praise which comes from God more than that which comes from our peers. And we, like Jesus must learn to live so that it is God who is praised as a result of our lives.
Application:
Do something good this week that is secret - just between yourself and God. Give to the needy, go into a closet to pray, start a fast. Whatever you do, do it in secret so that the God who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
From Look at the Man, page 53, Copyright 1989, Tim Woodroof and Glen Gray, Lincoln Church of Christ, 820 N. 56th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504 , Used by permission.