“How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44).
As in all things, the purpose behind this warning from Jesus is to show the way to liberation, peace, joy and wholeness. Jesus’ point is not that we cannot enjoy the affirmation or approval of others but that we should not allow the approval of others to become either our driving force or how we assess our value. A faith that is based on the approval of others is precarious and impotent. For what kind of “staying power” does such a “faith” give us? And what is the fleeting and fickle applause of thousands compared to the soul satisfaction and peace of mind He provides?
Our faith journey is not about “all of us” and God but “each of us” and God. We are not to live by comparing ourselves to each other, or being in competition with one another or evaluating ourselves relative to each other. We are wise to live this our lives enjoying the Lord’s approval.
This does not mean we don’t heed the counsel, concern or cautions of others. The relevance of this verse for us is as a prayer guide, directing us to seek the Lord’s guidance in all things – including through the advice of others. When we have, before the Lord, set our hearts on His approval, we can then move forward, certain in our faith even if we aren’t always certain of our decisions.
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