TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

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

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

In our desire to avoid conflict and gain acceptance, sometimes we find ourselves compromising our values and beliefs. We hesitate to speak up when we disagree with others, fearing their disapproval. We also find it difficult to express our faith openly, worrying about how others perceive us. These are examples of fear of people; sometimes, we become people pleasers who prioritize the opinions of others over our obedience to God’s Word.

In John 12:42–43, we encounter individuals who believed in Jesus but hesitated to confess Him openly due to fear of the Pharisees. Their fear of man overshadowed their faith in God, leading them to prioritize human approval over obedience to God’s Word.

The fear of man is a common struggle that many of us face. It manifests itself in various ways, causing us to hesitate in our worship, evangelism, and obedience to God’s commands. We may refrain from expressing our love for God openly or sharing the gospel with others out of fear of rejection or criticism.

Yet, Scripture reminds us that the fear of man is a snare—a trap that hinders us from walking in obedience and experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. When we allow the opinions of others to dictate our actions, we become enslaved to their approval, rather than living in freedom and obedience to God.

The antidote to the fear of man is found in the fear of the Lord. When we reverence God above all else and prioritize His Word above human opinion, we find true freedom and security. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, guiding us to walk in obedience and trust in God’s promises.

 

PRAYER