Copyright by Freedom in Christ, used with permission.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5
The world will try to sell you the lie that our deep need to be accepted can be fully met by those people around us. A lot of us spend our lives looking for acceptance from people. The way we dress, the career we choose, and the things we watch, buy, and say can all be influenced by this driving need to be accepted.
But the truth is that as Christians we are no longer spiritual orphans with a love deficit to fill. We are holy, blameless, unconditionally loved children of God who were chosen before time to be adopted by our Heavenly Father. When we really “get” this truth, our lives can be radically transformed as we break free from the bondage of seeking the approval and acceptance of others. We can be free to be ourselves, living our lives for “an audience of one” – our Father God – whose opinion is the only one that matters. And He says that we are already fully accepted sons and daughters with a permanent place at home in His family.
Consider how much of your thought-life is concerned with what other people think of you. How much impact does working for the acceptance and approval of others have on your actions, decisions, and happiness?
