The spiritual 
leaders of the day decided to believe the message that Jesus brought, because it made sense.
Yet, in the end they did not `follow` Him. Why?
They thought it more important to be honoured by men than by God!
Perhaps we all fall into that category at some point or another, the idea that it`s `nice` when men shower us with the accolades and the praise songs. Just watch the shows on all the awards evenings – the musiciains and the actors go somewhat bonkers when they receive the rewards.
The problem with this is, that it is in reality not the reward itself that makes us feel great, no, it`s the idea that the `honor` bestowed is valid – we should be rewarded, after all, we worked hard, we played hard, we should be rewarded.
Sadly though, we might receive all the rewards and still feel like a failure, for some, the reward is just not enough.
Mat 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained two other talents above them. 23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. 24 And he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. 25 And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the earth. Lo, you have yours. 26 His lord answered and said to him, Evil and slothful servant! You knew that I reaped where I did not sow, and gathered where I did not scatter, 27 then you should have put my money to the exchangers, and coming I would have received my own with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will abound. But from him who has not, even that which he has shall be taken away from him. 30 And throw the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31 But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He shall sit on the throne of His glory.
It is pleasurable to be appreciated, but if that does not happen, our self worth and value should be founded on:
1. God’s own unconditional love and acceptance of us. What we do, when we do it and how we do it, should be as an act of worship towards Him. Not for the accolades of man, but to hear Him say “well done, good and faithful servant” His love for us was proven once and for all, through the act of redemption on the cross.
2. We should know, the task at hand, the purpose and the destiny of my life, belongs to me. God has trusted me with it and I should pursue it with all I have. He gave it to me and not to someone else. It’s mine to accomplish.
3. Courage. Fear does not and should not be part of my framework. Fear caused the 3rd servant to lose his reward. Just because people tell me I won’t make it – should not deter me. After all, whose report will I believe? God did not give me a spirit of fear, but love, power and a sound mind. The Word declares that I have been given everything that pertains to life and Godliness. Therefore, I have been equipped.
We can never allow ourselves to be measured according to man’s standards only. Yes it is important to pass the tests – the exams that will qualify us for the workplace. Get the degree or the diploma, do the trade test, enter the competition. Strive to excel.
But perhaps, not to get the accolades of peers, but rather to showcase the talent that God has given us.
After all, we have been created to glorify Him.
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