You’re Already in

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Teresa was watching a Patrick Swayze movie one day when I walked by. She was completely captivated; you know how it is when someone's watching one of their favorite movie stars. I walked in front of her and said, "I want to ask you a question. If you took away his money, his good looks, and his muscular body, what would you have?" She said, "I would have you!"

Luckily, I know Teresa accepts me as I am! But I haven’t always accepted myself as I am. And as a pastor for over four decades, I know that you may struggle with low self-esteem, too. You might feel like you’re not enough or rejected from the words others have said. 

Even the media tunes into that universal desire for acceptance, telling you to dress a certain way, wear certain cologne, or use the right toothpaste—and you’ll finally be somebody.

But the Word of God tells you a different story. "You are accepted in the Beloved." God has already accepted you, and it's not based on anything you've done for Him. It’s based on what He's done for you in Jesus Christ.

You're going to meet people who won't accept you. You don't have enough money, good looks, or popularity. But it doesn't matter. Once God accepts you, He will never reject you. You can't do anything so bad that it will make God reject you.

Maybe a coworker excludes you from lunch plans this week, but you can remind yourself: "I am accepted in the Beloved." If a friend seems distant, pray: "God, your acceptance of me is complete. Help me find my confidence in you, not them."

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your full and complete acceptance in Christ! When people reject me or I feel inadequate, help me remember that your acceptance is permanent. Let that be enough for my heart today and always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.