The Danger and Delusion of Desiring Man's Universal Approval

In Luke 6:26, Jesus gave a strong warning and searching condemnation to His disciples, "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets." I have thought often about this passage and what it says about the danger of popularity and having the universal approval of men. There is, of course, nothing wrong with having a "good name" and being "well thought of by outsiders" (see Prov.22:1; I Tim.3:7). But this is not what Jesus is cursing. Rather, the condemnation of Luke 6:26 is both loving and attaining the global praise of men.

Now it must be admitted that there is in all of us a lust for man's approval. We want people to like us. We want people to think we're wonderful. And it is an added plus if "all people" think we're great! But such a desire is not good nor commendable but sinful and dishonoring to the name of Christ. The reason for this is because at the root of this lust is what the Bible calls "the fear of man" (Prov.29:25a).

The fear of man shows up in many different forms. But one of the most common manifestations is the self-centered longing to please others for their praise. This means that we will do whatever it takes to have the approval of others - even if that means compromising the gospel and fudging on our obedience to Christ!

There are numerous examples of this. There is, for instance, the young Christian man who will never take a stand for Christ with his unbelieving parents for fear of offending them and suffering their scorn. There is also the Christian woman who prays for her employers' salvation, but for fear of losing her job, she refuses to take the opportunity to actually speak to him about his need for Christ. Then finally there is the pastor who is unwilling to run the risk of losing his ministry if he would preach the whole counsel of God's Word. For this man, he tickles the ears of his congregation with what they want to hear, rather than proclaiming the Truth they need to hear. And his motivation in this is to be liked by all - thus gaining universal approval. Such a motive reeks of cowardice and selfish ambition!

But what is most shameful, is that in each of these examples, the lust for man's praise always compromises and undercuts one's devotion to Christ and a bold witness for the gospel. Moreover, if we do win the popularity contest then we have immediately positioned ourselves with "the false prophets". This was the chilling reminder Jesus gave to His disciples - that when "all people speak well of you", remember..."for so their fathers did to the false prophets." The false prophets claimed to speak for God, but it was all a lie (Jer.5:31; 6:14; cf. II Peter.2). They only told the people those things which would never offend nor disturb their consciences. They would not preach on holiness, sin, repenatnce or judgment. And why? Because what they valued and loved above everything was the applause and approval of men. This was their idol. This was their god. To have "all people speak well" of them was the passion and pursuit of their life.

Is this what drives us in our relationships with others? Is this the mark of our ministry? Are we ensnared by the fear of man that seeks the praise of man? If so, we need to repent. For we cannot have the universal praise of men while honoring Christ at the same time. Hence, we must forsake this carnal lust for man's praise. And such a forsaking will manifest itself by a daily renewal of our love for Christ, our willingness to suffer for Christ's name no matter the cost and treasuring His glory above that of any other (see Lk.6:22-23; 9:23; 14:26; I Cor.10:31; Phil.1:21; 3:4-14; Col.3:17).