What Motivates You?—Scripture Reflection #025
John 12:42-43 (New Living Translation)
42 Many people did believe in Him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, he was met with constant opposition from the religious leaders. They were so focused on keeping every letter of God’s law- as well as their own additions to it- that they lost track of why God had given the law in the first place: He wanted to set His people apart and build a lasting relationship with them. The ultra-legalistic mindset of the religious leaders kept them from believing in and accepting Jesus as the Son of God, which, in turn, kept them from salvation. Additionally, their hostility toward Jesus actually kept the people they were supposed to be leading away from salvation as well.
In today’s verses, however, we see that some of the religious leaders actually did believe in Jesus. Perhaps seeing the miracles and hearing Jesus’ words changed their hearts. Or maybe they knew that their current system was not what God originally intended and wanted more. Whatever the reason for their belief in Jesus, they unfortunately still could not receive salvation because they were more concerned with the power, position, and praise they received from people.
It is easy for us to find ourselves in a similar position. The worries of life, the rat race, the need to achieve and succeed are so strong in this world that they can become our driving motivation if we are not careful. We must remain vigilant and ask God to show us what is motivating us so that we can realign with Him if we go astray.
Personally speaking, I recognize that I desire human praise more than the praise of God quite often. However, it is my job to surrender it to God each time it comes up and ask Him to continue to transform me so that it is His praise that I am concerned about.
The Question: What motivates you?
