“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?” John 5:44
Comment
The Bible show us that things go horribly wrong when instead of being obedient to God we do things to please and impress one another, to get recognition; when we seek ‘the praise of men’.
We face a great danger here. When we seek the praise of men we are ‘me’ focussed, not God focussed, we do things that are apparently popular (at the time!) but not always good. Building strong relationships will require us to turn away from ‘the praise of men’ and towards God. God wants us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. (Mic 6:8).
How does this look in your life? In your marriage?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, thank you for your word. We know that it is dangerous for us to seek the praise of men. You want us to seek your praise and this is good for our relationships. Please help _____ and I to recognise what we need to change. Help us to act justly, be merciful to each other and those around us and to walk humbly with you. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, we lift up _____ and _____ to you. Please give them a new desire to please you as opposed to people around them. Amen
