Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:42, 43)
One of Satan’s devices in steering sinners away from a hope in Christ is confusion. He will cause someone to consider things that JUST DON’T MATTER. When it comes to trusting and following Christ, NOTHING MATTERS BUT CHRIST. What foolish things people allow to get between them and Christ. “If I say that I have been saved, people will think that I am being self-righteous.” What do the thoughts of other people matter! “If I were to be baptized, it would offend some of my family and friends.” What does the approval of man have to do with obedience to Christ! “If I were to testify of the gospel to my friends, they would think I was setting myself above them.” What does the judgment of men have to do with the declaring of Christ! So often, the confusing question that Satan interjects in our minds is, “What will people think?” What does it matter what men think! What matters is what God has said: “Look unto me and be ye saved,” “Repent and be baptized everyone of you,” “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” What else matters?