When Your Influence Grows
“But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16 WEB)
Adoring crowds can be a huge distraction. When you get giddy from excitement by the applause of man, you will be tempted to think that you are so great.
Jesus showed us the way to handle a growing influence. When the crowds that came to Him grew bigger, He did not entrust Himself to them and relish in the attention.
Instead, He withdrew to the desert to be alone with God the Father in prayer.
When your influence with men grows, go deeper in prayer and draw nearer to God (conscious of your need for Him). You absolutely need to stay humble, grounded, and remember that God is the source of all power, favor, and goodness in your life.
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. But Jesus didn’t trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23-25 WEB)
Jesus knew what was in man—sin in the flesh. Man is fickle and disloyal. One moment the crowd can be cheering, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” and the next they can be shouting “Crucify Him!”
As the Lord promotes you by His grace, entrust yourself to Him. Do everything for Him, and not for the applause of man—He is your Rewarder!
The four gospels are full of beautiful revelations that will benefit you in every sphere of life. Understand them through the lens of grace: https://bit.ly/understandeveryparable
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