The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1946-05-16
SER MON IT T E
FOR THEY LOVED THE PRAISE
OF MEN MORE THAN THE
PRAISE OF GOD
John IL: 43.
BY REV. JOHN W. GUFFEY

Of some of those whom John saw
in the heavenly vision it was said
that they overcame the enemy of
blood of the Lamb and the word of
their testimony. 1t is expected that
when men and women are followers
of Jesus Christ they will confess
the same and make it known to
those around them. But of those
spoken of in this scripture it is
stated that many Of these chief
rulers believed on Jesus, but be-
cause of the Pharisees they did not
confess him, lest they should be put
out of the synagogue.
AS we look at the pictures that
Jesus painted of the Pharisees we
realize the absurdity of allowing
such to stand in the way of ones
confessing Christ; and yet, while
wondering at them we remember
that since that time and even in our
day we find the same condition eX-
isting. "They loved the praise of
men more than the praise of Cod"
Some in our day love the praise of
men more than the praise of God
and will not make the proper con-
fession of their faith lest they be
held in contempt by the crowd
around them.
Some have made a confession of
faith in Jesus, but on issues of right
living and christian practices have
let the opinions Of people cause them
to cover before the side of wrong
and fail to take their stand for God.
Jesus said, "If any man will come
after me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow me-
When? When all goes we'll? Anyone
can be a fair weather follower. Any
one can stand for .he right when the
majority is on that side. When shall
we follow him and take our stand
for him? ALWAYS! Whether it be
with the multitude, the few, or
alone. A council once said to Athan-
asius; "Athanasius, the world is
against you" He replied 'Is the
world against Athanasius? Then
Athanasius is against the world.
Not with independence and obstin-
acy, but with a firm persuasion that
he was right and a desire to stand
for that which he believed to be.
right.
"But what will they say?" 1t
matters little what they will say.
lr nd NJ
whom God commends is approved.
We need in this critical hour in
the religious world men and women
of real christian integrity that be-
lieve in something and who will
stand for what they believe, in the
face of all opposition. Who, though
they highly evaluate the friendships
of men, yet hold them secOndarily
and put God first in their lives and
are ready to announce it to all con-
cerned.
Reader! Art thou of the same kind
as the ambitious Jewish rulers? Do
you love the praise of men more
than that of God? If so, find your
place again at the foot of the cross
of Jesus and there remain. behold
ing his love for you until you are
ready to face the world and own
your relationship with him and haV-
ing owned such, stand for the prln- !
Ciples and practises of righteousness
which he approves.
If men agree and stand with you;
well, but if not, stand alone.
Am | a soldier of the Cross.
A follower Of the Lamb,
And shall / fear to own his cause,
Or blush to speak his name?
Are there no foes for me to face,
Must | not stem the flood,
Is this vile world a friend to grace
To help me on to God?
Sure must fight if l would reign,
Increase my courage Lord.
I'll bear the toll, endure the pain
Supported by the word.
Thy saints in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer though they die,
They see triumph from afar,
By faith they bring it nigh.
When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all thy armies shine,
In robes of victory through the skies,
Thy glory shall be thine.
Isaac Watts