There is a mind-set today of men striving to blend in where there is no criticism of what they are doing. They yearn to be accepted of men thinking that is the highest good they could achieve. They desire either in small or great ways to be exalted by men. Jesus warns us if that is the pursuit of our hearts, that is the glory of men, that is the reward we will achieve (Matt. 6:2). This is contrasted by what God sees and rewards (verse 4). It is somewhat akin to parents trying to be both popular and parents at the same time. Such is not something we can reach. We must offer love, guidance and acceptance to our children. We cannot offer such at the expense of what God has said.
Some mount the pulpit or write things in order to shock their audiences or those who read what they have written. The shock value, in their warped thinking, will make people think they are someone great who understands truth like no one else. We find an example of this in the life of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9). He left the impression that he was some great one. When self-exaltation becomes the code by which a person lives, then they have forgotten the call of discipleship to Jesus begins with, denying self (Matt. 16:24). What men try to gain then is the acceptance by the world at the expense of truth itself.
Paul had to deal with this problem. What if Paul preached circumcision in order to gain the acceptance of non- believing Jews? He answers by saying if that is what he was doing then the offence of the cross had ceased (Gal. 5:11). Faithful brethren have always acknowledged that the preaching of the cross is to those who perish, foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18). We do not possess a message that will cause everyone to like us. We are bound to teach Christ and Him crucified in order to save as many as we can (I Cor. 2:2). Those who try to manipulate worship, work behind close doors and do their best to deceive good brethren should know, they have received their reward. The praise of men will cause such individuals to be judged by a loving God, who will say, “ I never knew you.”