John12:42 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:.(43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus in his days have some secret disciples even amongst the Pharisees. Those secret disciples love him and they acknowledge in their heart that he was God's sent but their faith hasn't gotten to the point where they could openly declare him as Lord because they don't want to offend the Pharisees and they want the praise of men more than that of God.
Sometimes, believers compromise their stand in Christ because they want men to praise them, also it could be that they don't want to offend people so as to avoid the ridicule and shame that comes with standing for Christ. It is possible for a preacher to arrange for himself an avenue or a system that encourages men to praise him. In fact, some have devised a leadership structure that makes men to praise them.
The praises of men can limit you and pull you down. Don't forget that thesame set of people shouting Hossana to Jesus were the same set of people that shouted 'crucify him'. Start living for the commendation of God and not men, your exploits may enter the Guinness book of record but if you miss heaven's book of record, all you've done here on earth is a waste.
Father, I receive grace to focus on your commendation and not the praises of men. Amen