KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23:5 (KJV). “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,”

The Lord at this moment instructs the disciples, not to follow the example of the Pharisees. HE then listed a number of actions that they do. These Pharisees are men pleasers. This is a very subtle temptation that many people easily fall into. Man is always thorn between glorifying God, or glorifying himself. Seeking men’s praise is a form of self worship. It is idolatry. We are called to give glory only to God.

 One of the biggest errors of man is to make himself the centre of action. This is failure. God is the origin of life and we are dependant on Him. He should attract all glory and honour. He made us for His pleasure. “Hou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”— Revelation 4:11 (KJV) Our life and activities are only meaningful, if we do it to please Him.

We say that any object or substance is being abused, if it fails to do or be used for the reason for which it was created. God created us to bring pleasure to Him. God would not honour and grace anyone who seeks for honour unto himself. Greatness in life is all about lifting the Lord up in your life. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” – James 4:6 (KJV)

DON’T rob yourself of divine help, provision and true honour by seeking honour for yourself. It is self defeating. What would have happened to the donkey which carried Jesus, if it had put Jesus down? No one would have looked at it. Someone could even have taken it and used it for dinner. Don’t endanger yourself by seeking the praise of men. This is a very slippery ground for most Pastors and ministers of God. It is more tempting for the very gifted ones, like prophets and those with apostolic calling. Dear one, anytime you are tempted to seek the praise of men, just speak to yourself, that, O man you exist to glory God, and never lose that awareness.

THOUGHT: SEEKING THE PRAISE OF MAN, IS A TRAP TO HUMILIATE YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

 John 3:30 (KJV). “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 Psalms 115:1 (KJV). “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”

Isaiah 42:8 (KJV). “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”