We all have a desire to be accepted by someone. If we don’t feel accepted, we may take extreme measures to make others accept us.

 

Look at the young people in any public high school and you will see what I mean. Teenagers go through many emotional and physical changes and often feel awkward. Like all of us, they yearn to be accepted. If wearing the latest trend in clothing gives them a sense of belonging, teenagers will buy that clothing or beg their parents to purchase it for them.

 

Sometimes the need for acceptance leads to sin. Seemingly we witness this more to often
with teenagers and all of the ramifications that just seem to swallow them. Thus leading them
deeper and deeper into a pit of despair and uncertainty. The end result causing havoc and ongoing dysfunction among family members. It is a life changing event with permanent consequences.

 

Sadly, there are many people walking this planet today who have chosen to live their lives in complete rebellion to God and to His Word. They have rejected Jesus Christ in their life and refuse to acknowledge Him for who He is. You can't force anyone to believe, you can only share with them the Good News and the truth of God's Word and pray for them to open their heart to that truth. But the fact remains, they will at some point bow their knee to Jesus and confess Him to be Lord.

 

When I gave my life to Christ, by God’s grace I was accepted in the beloved. God accepts me unconditionally. Not because of what I wear. Not because of what I look like or what country I’m from. Not because of anything I am or anything I have done. God accepts me because his Son’s blood has paid the price for my sins. He has made me his child.

 

Have you given your life to Christ by repenting and believing in the gospel? Then praise God because you are accepted in the beloved. You are special to God. God loves you. You are his.
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Prayer:

 

Day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly, day by day.

 

Help us to change the things we can change, accept the things we cannot change,
and have the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen.