The Foundation Question: Approval or Acceptance? (Day 1)
The Foundation Question: Approval or Acceptance?
Everything changes when you understand that Jesus was approved so you could be accepted. The question is not whether God approves of you, but whether you'll believe you're already accepted as His child.
Romans 8:14-16 (ESV)
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Devotional Thought
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "If I just pray more, give more, or serve more, then God will really hear me"? That's the approval trap, and it's exhausting because you never quite know if you've done enough.
Here's the incredible truth: you're not operating from a place of needing approval. You're operating from acceptance. Think about it like this: when kids ask their parents for something, they don't wonder if they're worthy enough to be heard. They just know their parent loves them and is listening. That's acceptance.
The difference between approval and acceptance is the difference between being a slave and being a son or daughter. Slaves work to earn their position. Children rest in their relationship. Jesus already went through everything that needed approval so you could be accepted. You're already in. The Spirit himself confirms that you're God's child right now, not after you perform better or try harder.
So when you approach God today in prayer, in your decisions about giving, or in any spiritual practice, ask yourself: am I doing this to earn something, or because I already belong? The Pharisees practiced their righteousness to be seen by others because they needed approval. But Jesus calls you to practice righteousness from a place of acceptance, knowing your Father already sees you, loves you, and calls you His own.
This is the foundation we're building on. Just like a house needs a solid foundation to withstand storms, your spiritual life needs to be built on the rock solid truth that you are accepted, not on the shifting sand of seeking approval from others or even from God.
Tomorrow we'll explore what this looks like in the very practical area of giving and how gratitude changes everything.
Here's the incredible truth: you're not operating from a place of needing approval. You're operating from acceptance. Think about it like this: when kids ask their parents for something, they don't wonder if they're worthy enough to be heard. They just know their parent loves them and is listening. That's acceptance.
The difference between approval and acceptance is the difference between being a slave and being a son or daughter. Slaves work to earn their position. Children rest in their relationship. Jesus already went through everything that needed approval so you could be accepted. You're already in. The Spirit himself confirms that you're God's child right now, not after you perform better or try harder.
So when you approach God today in prayer, in your decisions about giving, or in any spiritual practice, ask yourself: am I doing this to earn something, or because I already belong? The Pharisees practiced their righteousness to be seen by others because they needed approval. But Jesus calls you to practice righteousness from a place of acceptance, knowing your Father already sees you, loves you, and calls you His own.
This is the foundation we're building on. Just like a house needs a solid foundation to withstand storms, your spiritual life needs to be built on the rock solid truth that you are accepted, not on the shifting sand of seeking approval from others or even from God.
Tomorrow we'll explore what this looks like in the very practical area of giving and how gratitude changes everything.
Application Questions
- In what area of your life (work, relationships, church involvement) do you find yourself most seeking approval from others?
- How would your prayer life change if you truly believed God always hears you because you're His child, not because you prayed eloquently enough?
- What's one specific way your relationship with your earthly parents (positive or negative) has shaped how you view your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
Today's Challenge
Before you pray today, pause and say out loud: "I am God's accepted child right now." Notice how that statement makes you feel. Does it feel true, or does part of you resist it? Bring that honest response to God in your prayer.
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you that I don't have to earn my way into Your presence. Help me believe deep in my heart that I'm already accepted because of what Jesus did, not because of what I do. Show me today where I'm still operating like a slave seeking approval instead of a son or daughter resting in acceptance. I want to know You as my Father, not just as someone I'm trying to impress. In Jesus' name, amen.
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