THE APPLAUSE OF MEN

Some people desperately seek the praise of men to offset the insecurity that comes from seeing themselves as sinful human beings. But those superficial gestures of kindness create an artificial sense of self-worth; a fleeting moment of false peace. 

Being applauded for one's appearance, talent, or accomplishments cannot satisfy the longing in your soul. That emptiness can only be filled by God. 

If you profess to be a follower of Christ, you must examine yourself ... 'Why do I do the things I do?  Would I continue to live before others this way if no one noticed? Am I after worldly popularity, recognition, and applause ... or do I live to bring glory to God alone?'

Pharisees were the religious men of their day and failed that test ... for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)

You may possess the more 'visible' gifts ... such as teaching, singing, or playing a musical instrument. With it comes a constant temptation to use it for your own glory. But if you live to please God, you'll receive a reward in heaven ... and your deeds will be unscented by the noxious smell of pride. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23–24

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of 'giving', 'praying', and 'fasting'. The beginning of each teaching had a warning against impure motives ... 

Giving … So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. (Matthew 6:2)

Praying … When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. (Matthew 6:5)

Fasting ... Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. (Matthew 6:16)

If we are not careful, seemingly selfless spiritual practices can turn into selfish humanistic ones. We must not do things to be noticed and applauded by men ...

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

It is never about how popular or influential you are ... 

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

Don’t chase after the applause of men and miss the will of God for your life. Instead of being concerned about whether people know your name and appreciate your admirable qualities ... be concerned about whether God knows your name and recognizes all that you do for the Kingdom.