Not Impressed by the Reputations of Men
“God had given me a clear revelation to go and confer with the other apostles concerning the message of grace I was preaching to the non-Jewish people. I spoke privately with those who were viewed as senior leaders of the church. I wanted to make certain that my labor and ministry for the Messiah had not been based on a false understanding of the gospel...Even the most honored and esteemed among the brothers were not able to add anything to my message. Who they are before men makes no difference to me, for God is not impressed by the reputations of men.” (Galatians 2:2, 6 TPT)
I love the apostle Paul’s mindset. He was not ‘starstruck’ by Peter, James, and John.
Whereas others would have been intimidated by the fame and reputation of the apostles in Jerusalem, Paul wasn’t.
He was led by God to go and meet them, and the only reason he wanted to speak with them was to confirm that he was preaching the correct Gospel.
Paul valued praise from God, not the praises of men.
If God is not impressed by the reputations of men, then as His children we shouldn’t be impressed too.
There is no need to feel intimidated when speaking to someone with a glorified title.
“When he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching him.” (Luke 14:1 WEB)
Jesus went to a party where the most respected Pharisees were, and He still spoke straightforwardly, without mincing His words. He was not afraid to speak the truth, even if it offended reputable men.
“He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them, “When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him, and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, don’t call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back. But when you make a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind; and you will be blessed, because they don’t have the resources to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.”” (Luke 14:7-14 WEB)
Jesus’ words above are essentially meaning that the guests at the party were pretentious hypocrites, all trying to curry favor with the rich and famous. Think about how offensive these words would be to most people at the party.
We are a new creation in Christ in contrast to the children of Adam. We are the new and improved version 2.0. Children of Adam are transgressors, whereas children of God are royal priests and heirs of His estate.
Even the wealthiest unbeliever is only like a piece of firewood, due to be thrown in the unquenchable fires of Hell when he dies.
As for speaking to fellow believers, God’s word says that we are one in Christ and that titles don’t matter—we are all of equal standing. We are all saved by one Lord, born-again of the same Spirit, and none of us earned this salvation—it’s all by grace through faith.
“For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28 WEB)
Don’t get me wrong, Paul respected the office of apostle which Peter, James, and John held. These positions are given by God. Paul also teaches us to respect the governing bodies and submit to them for the Lord’s sake.
We should also respect our leaders in church for the sake of the offices that they hold since they are ordained by God. Give them proper honor for the sake of the office. Submit to those who have the authority over us, as this authority was given by God.
However, we don’t need to fear reputable men. You don’t have to shrink back, feeling like you are somehow less important, less worthy, or less loved. God loves you even as (as much as) He loves Jesus—that’s how important you are to Him!
If people abuse their office of authority and mistreat you, they themselves will be accountability for it before Jesus. Maybe their eternal rewards will be given to you instead, to restore you for the injustice.
“Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”” (John 19:11 WEB)
No one can harm you when God is protecting you. Men have no power of their own. Therefore, be bold and have confidence in Christ. Straighten your shoulders and back, and raise your chin up. Be set free from the fear of reputations of men!
I shared more about the time when Jesus went to that Pharisee’s party in my book “Messiah’s Miracles: The Power of Having Faith in Jesus Christ”. Did you know that He healed a man with dropsy there? There is a spectacular lesson in it. See God’s Grace and love towards you in all the 37 recorded miracles of Jesus Christ, and let faith arise for your own supernatural breakthroughs: https://bit.ly/messiahs-miracles
