RIPPLES: Acceptance

Everyone desires acceptance and approval of their peers. Peer pressure has a great impact on society. The activities we decide to interact in, how we wear our hair, the clothing we wear, even how we talk are all impacted by culture. If we wear the wrong style we could be banished from the “in” group. We read headlines of young people who even take their lives because their peers do not accept them for one reason or another.

Perhaps you are reading this and desire acceptance. You just want to belong. I am writing this because there is one who accepts you just the way you are with all your own perceived imperfections and quirks. Jesus Christ loves you and desires you to follow him. He gave his life that you might receive ultimate acceptance. Through belief in Jesus and the work he completed on the cross, your name is added to the Book of Life. A book that is reserved for those who will be granted eternal life.

As people attempt to cause ripples in your life eroding away your identity, you can find your identity in Jesus Christ. His followers are called a peculiar people. What you seek through relationships with others can only be filled through a relationship with Jesus Christ. You will find satisfaction as he fills the empty void that has been crying out in your heart.

As you bond with Jesus you will find that you will cause ripples in the lives of others, not ripples that cause erosion and decay. You will create ripples that bring fertile soil and nutrients so that others might grow strong and mature in a relationship with Christ. Seek Jesus not the world and discover true joy and acceptance.