Why do you do what you do? The long reaching implications of that seven-word question reach much farther than we would expect. It dives much deeper than just wanting an explanation of your vocation. From the food we prefer, to how we interact with someone who can do nothing for us, we are all have hidden needs and motivations that moves us towards a goal.

Jesus warns us against one of the most dangerous ones in John 12:43, “for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” Some translations render this verse as “they loved the praise of other people more than the praise of God.” The praise of the people around us is dangerous because feels good! It feels nice when someone appreciates your hard work or the effort you put in. However, when that becomes your only motivation, you can lose what made the work worthy of praise in the first place.

We can all be fickle people, what earned the praise of your peers one day is suddenly annoying and earns ridicule another day. We have been given a higher calling. We have been called to leave the rat race behind and reach for what really matters.

Jesus continues in verses 45-46, “And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Trying to live a life pleasing people that don’t matter is exhausting and pointless. You have been called to something greater and don’t need to remain in that darkness.

Jesus wants you to step into the light, a light that allows you to make bold choices. When God is for us who can be against us? Granted, this call is not an easy one. Following the praise of the crowd feels easy because you can just google the trends, but then they change and you’re stuck chasing something that you can never really reach.

With God the call is clear: “Be holy. Show Love. Follow me.”