Acceptance

I still have a perverse need that people accept me and I can’t figure out why. It’s funny that when I don’t crave the acceptance of people I receive it, but when I do crave their acceptance I don’t receive it. Why do I have that need for people’s acceptance when the only opinion I should care about is God’s?

I care intensely about God’s opinion of me. It is very important to me to be pleasing in God’s sight. I need him to approve of me. I need Him to be pleased with me. But there’s always that nagging voice in the back of my mind wondering what people think. If I do this or do that, what will people say? My real concern should be what will God say? People have let me down over and over but God has remained faithful. He’s always been there.

What would I do without God? He still listens to me even though I haven’t been as faithful as I should be. Even though I haven’t listened like I should. Even though I don’t pray like I should. Even though I’ve been disconnected. Even though I run away when I need Him the most. He hasn’t abandoned me or disappointed me like people have.

I know none are perfect and we all fall short of the glorious standard of God, but that’s not an excuse. He is wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant of me. He is still waiting with open arms because of the blood of Jesus. The devil accuses me of being lazy and undeserving of God’s love, but I plead the blood of Jesus. I have to do more than plead the blood, I have to earnestly repent with a Godly sorrow. I cannot have any intention of repeating the same mistakes that caused me to repent in the first place.

There’s always this place that tells me I’m only human, and I agree to a certain extent. Yes, I’m only human but I’m also God’s child. I’m held to a higher standard. I’m to shed the old and put on the new. I’m to become a new creation in Christ. Does that mean I’m supposed to be something more than human? No, it means I’m supposed to be Christ-like. I’m supposed to have the mind, attitude, and behavior of Christ. To live like He did, believe like He did. Obey like He did. Pray like He did. Listen to the Holy Spirit like He did.

The devil is a liar. The words he says against me are not true. I often have to remember what is true about me.  I’m created in the image of God. In Him I am complete. In Him, I can live without fear, shame, or regret. In Him, I can live in total forgiveness and peace. He loves me totally and covers me. I don’t have to worry about anything other than pleasing Him. When I trust Him, my paths are made straight. Nothing I do will ever separate me from His love.

I have to remember that my faith isn’t in myself. My faith is in God to produce in me what He already planted in me. My job is to trust God. Trust that He will finish in me what he started until the day that Christ returns. This is a process, it’s not overnight, it’s not quick. The only way to get through this is with God. God’s grace and mercy are sufficient. How do I get out of my own way? How do I get over craving people’s acceptance? By letting God be God. Being open to the Holy Spirit. Knowing God’s voice. Following Christ, every day, consistently, with practice, and with intention. Spending more time with God and His word. In Him is where I find absolute acceptance.

Our Father,

We know that you have a master plan and that all things will work for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Help us to continue in the way You have called us to go; in the way, You would have us to go. Please help us stay in Your good and perfect will. Help us be comforted in knowing that you only provide your best for us. We will continue to bless your name. Thank you, Holy Spirit for reminding us of our Lord’s grace and comfort and His truth. Help us to hold on to your everlasting truth in these perilous and deceiving times.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock, and my Redeemer.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.