|
September 14, 1998, Monday
Why do so many individuals strive to be accepted by others?
Is there great gain to be found in acceptance and popularity?
Is truth accepted easily by most individuals, or is it most
difficult to accept?
Rejection is not a pleasant experience for anyone. We all
need to be loved and accepted. Paul tells the believers:
"Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ
has accepted you" (Romans 15:7).
There is great gain when we are warmly received and accepted
by one(s) with great power. David gave a blessing to his son:
"And to Solomon he said, "My son, I charge you to acknowledge
your father's God and to serve Him with an undivided heart
and a willing mind. He knows all our thoughts and desires.
If you go to Him, He will accept you; but if you turn away
from Him, He will abandon you forever" (1 Chronicles 28:9).
There were solemn conditions to that blessing and promise.
Jesus tells us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life;
no one goes to the Father except by Me" (John 14:6).
The problem is that not many readily accept that truth.
To His invitation of an abundant life, many ask Jesus to
accept their apologies and rejection: "Another one said,
"I have bought five pairs of oxen and am on my way to
try them out; please accept my apologies" (Luke 14:19).
However Jesus tells us that some people accept His
truth and offer in sincerity: "But other people are
like seeds sown in good soil. They hear the message,
they accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty, some sixty,
and some one hundred" (Mark 4:20). John tells us:
"Those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those
who accept the Son have the Father also (1 John 2:23).
Let us remember who is our Best Friend. God's name is Jehová
Adonai . He is the God who accepts us as we are without
any modifications. He can only change us to a new creature if
we come as we are, but Praise God, He receives us. Lift your
hands to your Best Friend. Praise Him and thank Him for all the
blessings of His acceptance and friendship.
|
