InEssence

It is amazing that those of us who believe in God continually fear men. I see this in me and am astonished… A symptom of this can be seen as we seek peoples’ approval. Often, the approval of people is opposed to God’s way.

John 12:43 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

Nobody walks around advertising that they make decisions based upon other peoples’ approbation. In this way, it’s similar to pride. No one I know interacts with people consciously knowing they are conceited. It’s a hidden motivation.

But God knows.

1 Corinthians 4:5 5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

Hebrews 4:12-13 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

We can seek the approval of constituencies of people we should be serving and leading. We often seek the approval of people who are leading us… What a convolution. No wonder there’s confusion.

Proverbs 29:25 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.

We’re not to fear man when we render judgment in a situation.

Deuteronomy 1:17b … You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God's…

This is true not only when we’re judging a situation, but when we’re making decisions about our direction.

We’re not to fear man as if our justice comes from a mere human.

Proverbs 29:25-26 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the LORD.

If we do fear man, the prophetic word strongly admonishes us to stop it.

Isaiah 2:22 22 Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; for why should he be esteemed?

This is important to us if we are seeking the Lord’s approval. It is part of the besetting sins that need to be put aside.

Hebrews 12:1b-2a ... let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus …

Cry out for mercy.