Thursday, 20th November 2025
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: WHEN THE MASTER STANDS
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” — Proverbs 8:35
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- In life, we all seek to be applauded, but whose applause should we seek?
The applause of men can be loud, intoxicating, and fleeting. But there is a silence that carries greater weight— the silence of the Master who is not moved.
A story is told of a young pianist debuting in a famous concert. The fashionable audience was most responsive to his playing, and at the end of the concert, they gave him a resounding, standing ovation and called for an encore. Backstage, the young pianist refused to return to the platform despite the pleas of the stage manager and the concert sponsors. “But they love you!” they expostulated. “They’re on their feet.” The young man replied, “I know they are, but there’s one man sitting in his seat. He isn’t standing.” “What’s one man in a concert hall full of people?” they replied. Quietly, he responded, “He’s my master—my teacher!”
Like this young pianist, so too should the Christian heart be moved not by human applause but by divine approval.
The human soul is designed for approval—not of men, but of God. We long to hear one phrase above all others: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Yet how often do we exchange that eternal commendation for the momentary praise of peers, employers, or audiences?
The Lord’s approval is not gained through performance but through obedience. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him” (John 14:23).
Obedience, then, is not drudgery; it is the language of love. To seek God’s favor is not to earn His love but to align our hearts with His pleasure.
Saint John Chrysostom warned, “Let us not seek to please men, but God, who tests our hearts.” When our motives are purified, our audience narrows to One— God. The world’s applause fades quickly, but the approval of God endures forever.
What must we do to attract the applause of heaven?
- Pause for Alignment: Before any decision, ask, “Would this please the Lord?”
- Silence the Crowd: Limit the voices that compete for your obedience. Seek solitude to hear God’s whisper.
- Practice Hidden Faithfulness: Do good when no one sees. The Father who sees in secret rewards openly (Matthew 6:4).
- Measure by Scripture: Let God’s Word—not opinion, culture, or convenience—be your standard of approval.
Paul captured this singular pursuit when he wrote, “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). As the servant of Christ, you're living for the quiet “Yes” of heaven, not the noisy “Bravo” of earth.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Matthew 25
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Whose approval influences your decisions most today—God’s or others’?
- What area of your life would change if you cared only about the Lord’s pleasure?
- How can you cultivate the discipline of listening for the Master’s voice amid the noise of human praise?
PRAYER
Lord, quiet every craving for human approval within me. Teach me to live for Your smile alone. I affirm that my thoughts, words, and actions are finding favor in Your sight. When the crowds applaud, remind me to look for You—whether You are standing or seated. Your approval is my greatest reward, and Your pleasure is my highest joy. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Proverbs 9; 2 Peter 3; Job 29
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