What Do You Love More...

As the end was near Jesus did and said many things.  Some of those things caused people to turn away from Him in unbelief.  Yet, there were others who did believe.  But they kept it to themselves because they were afraid.

They were afraid of what others would say, they were afraid they would be cast out of the synagogue and afraid they would lose their standing in the religious community.  They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (John 12:42–43)  

This sounds like us sometimes doesn't it.  Our fear can get in the way of us declaring our faith.  We can love what others say about us more than what God says about us.  A big question for me and for you today is this:  What do we love more?  The praise of men or the praise of God...

As we come into Easter will we allow our fear to keep us from reaching out to those we love who need Jesus or will we love them and God more?