We cannot live for applause.
I came to this conclusion when I finished a slow tour through the book of Mark. As I read, I reflected and slowly contemplated God’s message to me in these words.
The stories of the week leading up to Jesus’ death made this truth abundantly clear because of the 180-degree turn the crowds made that week.
On Palm Sunday, the crowd gathered around Jesus, laying their garments at His feet, and shouting praises:
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9-10)
But just six short days later, the crowds changed their tune. Now they were shouting,
“Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13)
Astounding. How could the people change their minds, their words, their opinion of Jesus so dramatically? How could they want Him to be their king at the beginning of the week and want Him dead by the end?
Of course, all of this had to happen for Christ to fulfill His mission to rescue us. But it also shows the fickleness of people.
One day you are invited to all the popular parties, the next you are excluded. One week the boss likes everything you do and the next someone else in the office is her favorite. One year you have great success, the next you are scrounging for business.
So if we are only living for the approval of people, we are in big trouble. People’s opinions change daily. What they like and don’t like is influenced by the media, the latest styles, and even by how much sleep they got the night before.
Jesus knew this so He wasn’t rocked by the applause OR the condemnations of the people. He simply focused on living to please His Father. He told His disciples,
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)
and even said,
“I do not accept praise from men.” (John 5:41)
The trouble with living for applause of people is people are fickle. Their opinions are often inconsistent. If we keep living to please other humans we will find ourselves with a million different game plans. We will bounce from one goal to another because the world keeps changing. People’s opinions constantly fluctuate.
Instead we need to live to please the One who never changes. Our focus will be clearer if we let praise from men roll off our backs. Our lives will be richer and less chaotic if we live to do the will of the Father who loves us no matter what.
Next Step: Look at your schedule or to-do list for tomorrow. Choose one item and ask yourself: Am I doing this to please other people? What difference would it make if I worked at this task simply to please my Savior?