ByWhen Jesus started ministry afresh, many people heard of the signs and wonders He did. And because of that, they hailed Him and believed in His name. It got to a time that they wanted to make him king because He was exhibiting philanthropic abilities like sharing food for over five thousand people (John 6:14-15). However, in John 2:24-25, it is written that Jesus did not entrust Himself to them. Why? Because He knew what was in man. He was (and is still) God so He could discern the hearts of men.
Today, a lot of ministers get overwhelmed with pride when many people praise them after God uses them to do great things in ministry. What can we learn from Jesus’ style of ensuring continuity in ministry by not entrusting ourselves to the praises of men? It’s simple – by knowing what is in man through the lens of God’s Word so we can understand how to deal with each one of them.
Man is flesh without God
Are you aware all flesh cannot please God? It’s in Genesis 6:3 and Romans 8:8. Everyone who’s not born again is flesh, has not, the Holy Spirit dwelling in him and is full of evil desires in his heart. Even if that person received good training from home, it doesn’t make him a good person before God. Why? Because unto God, he who isn’t born again is under the power of the devil (1 John 5:19).
Jesus said there’s no man good except the One true God (Mark 10:17-18). A man without God has no good element within himself. The Israelites Jesus was ministering to were unbelievers before He came. So they weren’t good people. Eventually, they were the same people who protested for Jesus to be crucified. I think this is a lesson to us leaders; never rate our self-worth based on what people say about us.
Entrust yourself to God
One reason you should never entrust yourself to people, especially unbelievers, is that they don’t determine your value for whatever you do; God does. Jesus didn’t need any man’s approval to do what He did. He went about doing good because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit and power upon Him (Acts 10:38), not because of any man.
Probably God has been giving you opportunities in ministry, business or any area of influence to exhibit your skill, so much so that you’ve started receiving the applause of people. Can I tell you something? Focus on pleasing God and finishing your divine mandate and not fulfilling people’s wishes. Pay attention to teaching the Word of God. It will end well with you!
