The Importance Of Acceptance
We live in an age that struggles with acceptance.
Politicians sometimes, unwisely, refuse to accept election results. People wrestle with accepting their circumstances, their limitations, even their own appearance. Social media constantly whispers, ‘You would be happier if you were different.’ Yet much anxiety comes from trying to change things that we simply cannot change, whilst neglecting the things that God is calling us to transform.
The well-known prayer often attributed to St Francis of Assisi (though more accurately written by Reinhold Niebuhr) captures a profound truth:
‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.’
That final phrase is perhaps the hardest part.
There are things we should work on. We can improve our fitness, develop healthier habits, learn new skills, deepen relationships, and grow in character. Scripture repeatedly calls us to spiritual maturity rather than complacency.
Yet there are also things we must accept. We cannot change our past. We cannot control other people. We cannot redesign every aspect of ourselves. Increasingly, some pursue drastic cosmetic alterations in the hope that changing the outside will finally bring peace within. Often it doesn’t. The deeper issue remains untouched.
The Christian faith is rooted in a remarkable truth: God begins with acceptance.
‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 5:8)
Notice that God did not wait until we were acceptable. He did not say, ‘Sort yourself out first, then come back.’ He came looking for us when we were lost, broken and unable to save ourselves.
Jesus illustrated this beautifully in the parable of the prodigal son. The father didn’t stand at the door with folded arms demanding explanations. He ran to embrace his returning son before a speech could even be finished (Luke 15:20).
That is grace.
Yet acceptance by God is not the same as approval of everything we do. God accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us as we are.
Paul reminds believers:
‘Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.’ (Romans 15:7)
And again:
‘To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.’ (Ephesians 4:12-13)
We cannot earn our salvation through good works, religious effort or self-improvement. Salvation is God’s gift, received through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, once we belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit begins the lifelong process of transforming our character. Not so we become accepted, but because we already are accepted.
The question therefore is not simply, ‘Has God accepted me?’ Scripture gives a resounding yes to all who come to Christ in repentance and faith.
The deeper question is:
- Have I accepted God’s verdict about myself?
- Have I accepted that I cannot save myself?
- Have I accepted that my greatest need is not a better appearance, more success, more influence, or greater control over my circumstances?
- Have I accepted Christ Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord?
Many people spend their lives resisting realities they cannot change, whilst ignoring the one change that matters most: surrendering to Jesus Christ.
Humility begins when we stop arguing with God, stop trying to justify ourselves, and simply admit our need of His mercy.
The wonderful news of the gospel is that when we do, we discover that God has been waiting with open arms all along.
Here’s the heart of this booster in a nutshell:
- Accept what God has allowed.
- Change what God has entrusted to you.
- Above all, accept the Christ who first accepted you.
Reflect
- Is there something in my life that I need to stop fighting and begin accepting?
- Is there an area of character God is calling me to change?
- Have I personally accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord?
Prayer
Lord, grant me wisdom to know the difference between the things I should change and the things I must accept. Thank You that You loved me before I ever loved You. Thank You that I do not earn salvation but receive it through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me grow in maturity, becoming more like Him each day. Teach me to rest in Your grace, walk in humility, and trust Your purposes. Amen.
Worship Song – ‘Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me’ (CityAlight):
A wonderful song celebrating the truth that our acceptance, salvation and transformation are found not in our own efforts but in Christ alone.
Further Reading: https://connect4life.org.uk/
Key Verse: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)
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