“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43).

What a sobering verse. A good number of chief rulers actually believed on the Lord Jesus, and yet they did not act upon their belief because they feared being put out of the synagogue. They thrived on the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Roberta faced a similar situation in her dormitory at college. She came face-to-face with the decision either to compromise and “fit in” with dorm life or to be gracious and yet uncompromising in her stand for Christ. That very evening she read the text that begins our Daily Prescription for today. Quietly she prayed and committed herself to the Lord. In the days ahead, she would need the Lord’s strength and help, but the great blessing of knowing that she pleased the Lord was a wonderful encouragement to her. How about you? How will this play out in your life today?

Loving the Lord more than our love of praise of people: Think about this! More than anything else, I need to please the Lord. How about you?