I Need Revival When...(Part 5)

Read: Matthew 23:1-12

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments.

                                                                                                    Matthew 23:5

When I crave the attention of man more than the attention of God: I need revival.

     All throughout history, people have done foolish things in an attempt to draw attention to themselves and get their name in the newspaper or in some kind of record book. The Guinness Book of World Records seems to be the latest trend that attracts crazy stuntmen and daredevils who are trying to outdo the craziness before them. People are willing to risk their very lives just to gain themselves a little notoriety. They will jump off of just about anything with only a small parachute in what is known as BASE jumping, free-climb the side of a high-rise building, or attempt other death-defying feats – all to get the attention of a few people who are watching.

     Do you fall into this category? You may not be crazy enough to try to cheat death, but you may do things that are foolish just to try to get the attention of your friends. Most often it is the guys in high school who are trying to get their friends’ attention by blatantly breaking the rules to get a laugh, or by mercilessly making fun of someone they deem is not “as cool” as they are – all to draw the attention onto themselves. Proverbs 24:9 reminds us that even the thought of foolishness is sin, but amidst all of the attempts to draw the attention of man, we forget whose attention we ought to be trying to attract – God’s.

     The Pharisees, whom Jesus constantly criticized, were masters at looking good to men. They knew how to act and what to say in public to draw the most attention they could onto themselves. Meanwhile, they forgot the very fact that God was not looking on the outside to determine if He could use them or bless them; He was looking at their hearts. God is not looking for young men that are trying to impress their fellow men. God is looking for young men who will stand above the crowd in principle, in holiness, and in truth. He is not impressed by the young man who can draw a crowd based solely on his personality or appearance; He is impressed by the young man who will sell out to Him in his attempt to serve God in whatever aspect he can. The attention of man will get you no farther than where man can take you, but having the attention of God will lead to limitless service and blessing.

Quote of the day: “It is better to have God approve than the world applaud.”