The Bible says, “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men’” (Mark 8:31-33).

Imagine receiving such a strong rebuke from the Son of God! The thought of such words from the Lord should be enough to make anyone feel extremely uncomfortable—to say the least! Yet, what was it that Peter said that merited the rebuke, “Get behind Me, Satan!”? Matthew tells us in his account that Peter said, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You,” and adds that Jesus declared Peter’s words an “offense to Him” (Matthew 16:21-23).

At first glance, Peter’s words and thoughts seem to be for Jesus’ well-being and care. It appears that Peter does not want to lose his Master. However, when we look at the condemnation Jesus expressed to Peter, the picture becomes clearer. Indeed, Peter’s concern was for the “things of men” when it should have been directed toward the “things of God.” Jesus, who knows the hearts of men, revealed as much.

How many times do we find ourselves more concerned with the things of men than with the things of God? I believe, if we honestly evaluate ourselves, the answer will be alarming.

Have you ever worried more about what someone might think of you for quoting a Bible verse than what God would think of you for spurning the opportunity? As God’s vessels, we are to spread the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). Yet, do we allow far too many precious opportunities to slip through our fingers? Do we fear the repercussions of saying what is necessary and end up only saying what someone wants to hear? Indeed, when we worry more about what men will think of us than what God will think of us, we are an offense unto God (John 12:42-43)!

Do you fear missing work more than you fear missing worship services? This is not to say that work is not important or that we should not strive to always maintain good attendance at work. Indeed, the Bible says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Yet, the emphasis is on the word “more” in the aforementioned question. When we have the attitude that says, “I can miss today’s worship service, or this evening’s Bible study,” what is it we are saying to God? Do we fear our employer’s wrath more than God’s? Do we enjoy work more than we enjoy worshipping the Creator of the Universe? I would hate to find myself having to answer these questions before God on the great Day of Judgment. The Hebrew writer expresses it best, when he says we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but exhort one another, “and so much more as we see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Yes, we often mind the things of men more than the things of God!

Do recreation and entertainment take precedence over study and prayer in your life? Once again, we are not saying recreation and entertainment are wrong (though much of what this world offers in these areas is sinful). Sometimes these things are good and necessary. However, many neglect study and prayer in their lives. There is no personal devotion to God manifested in the things they do on a daily basis. For many, to give thanks for their food during the day is a difficult task to remember. What spends more time in your hands—your television remote or your Bible? Beyond any doubt, these are indicators of our priorities! Surely, the things of God (i.e. study and prayer) should command a more prominent role in our personal lives!

Even on a financial level, we must ask ourselves, Am I more interested in buying the “things” of men than I am in doing godly and charitable things with my money? Yes, this is a question that probably strikes to the heart for all of us. In a possession-oriented society such as the one we live in, this mindset is easy to come by. To truly evaluate ourselves on this question, all we need to do is to look around us – at our possessions, our “toys,” our “things.” How does the sum total of their value measure against the generosity, good deeds, and alms we give for others? Paul says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). He commanded the rich to “do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). Indeed these are far more noble and righteous financial pursuits. Consider Cornelius, who Luke says, “gave alms generously to the people” (Acts 10:2). Certainly, as we evaluate our financial lives, we can find more ways to mind the things of God over the “things” of men. It was Jesus who said, “Inasmuch as you do to the least of these My brethren, you do it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). If this is not a motivator, I do not know what is!