The Pressure!

John the Baptist was one fiery preacher. Sometimes I wonder how he would fare in this Social Media driven world. King Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias and John minced no words in calling them out. Herodias took umbrage at John and forced Herod to arrest John.

Herod himself didn’t hate John and actually enjoyed listening to him though the latter didn’t have any kind words for him. Herodias wanted John’s head. Her oppotunity came when during the king’s birthday party, the drunk king enthralled by Herodias’ daughter’s dance skills, offered to give her whatever she asked.

At Herodias’ prompting, the girl asked for John’s head on a platter. Herod didn’t see that coming and was greatly distressed by the request. “… but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.” Matthew 14:9‭-‬10

Herod had John killed because he didn’t want to look bad in front of his guests! He wanted to save face; he didn’t want to come across as weak; he wasn’t ready to handle ridicule from his friends; he put too much weight on public opinion. And because of these, he went against his conscience.

If we give too much regard to what people will say about us, we will miss out of living fully for Christ. We may find ourselves doing things we know to be wrong just so we maintain our “reputation” or popularity within our circle or even beyond.

The next time you’re faced with a choice, may God give you the boldness to choose right even if it’ll make you unpopular or open you up to scorn. Choose to please God rather than people, always.

Blessings!

Love, Lady Monica ❤️