Praise from men

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue, for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” John 12:42-43
We can think of several men who are mentioned by name in the Scriptures as being ‘undercover’ believers – Nicodemus in particular and Joseph of Arimathea also (see John 19:38). Both of these men were on the Sanhedrin, the ruling council. Neither of them openly expressed their faith until after Jesus’ death, when they buried Him together.
Failing to stand up for Jesus is the same as denying Him. When we go along with the crowd, when we laugh at the crude jokes and say nothing when people are dissing Christianity, we are hiding our light under a bushel. These people may well be hostile towards the things of God – as indeed the Pharisees were – but surely He is able to protect us if we make a stand for Him? (providing we speak the truth in love, and not in obnoxiousness.)
Nicodemus and Joseph knew that if they openly expressed their faith, they would lose their positions on the Sanhedrin. This was of more value to them than having a life of transparency. This would have stunted their spiritual growth (Matt. 13:22).
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)