1 John 4:6
6 We [who teach God’s word] are from God [energized by the Holy Spirit], and whoever knows God [[progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience and to get an ever-clearer knowledge of Him] listens to us [and has a deeper understanding of Him]. Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know [without any doubt] the spirit of truth [motivated by God] and the spirit of error [motivated by Satan]. Amplified Bible
Are you too concerned about being accepted?
When people agree with you, it is an indication of acceptance. Wanting to be accepted is a part of being human. As you live your life each day, you will come in contact with people who do not understand why you feel the way you do; why you make the choices you make; why you respond the way you respond, etc. It is okay. As a believer, the only way a person can and will understand your “why’s”; is if they understand who God is. It is not enough for them to see who God is in your life or even who He is in their lives. They have to see who He is to all of mankind. If you feel you are not being accepted, you cannot make someone understand nor agree with the stand you take. Your actions and reactions come from your relationship with God.
On the other hand, if what you hear from God does not line up with the people who are offering you acceptance, another issue is at stake. It is important to allow The Father to guide you. Knowing the difference between what is right and what is wrong is not always easy, especially when you are deciding on being accepted by someone or a group you want to be a part of. The very intelligent, crafty and persuasive people can make error look a lot like truth. God gives you the knowledge and wisdom to know the difference.
Mark 8:34-37 Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and [a]take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake and the gospel’s will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. 36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? 37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]? Amplified Bible
Please agree with me as I pray:
Father God, I come to You asking for wisdom as I deal with those who cross my path each day. Help me to make the distinction between those who don’t accept me and those who reject You. In either case, show me if there’s something You would desire for me to say or do. In every situation, lead me in the path you have chosen and give me the words to say that will bring understanding and enlightenment and give me peace. I know it is not my responsibility to change someone’s mind. If they do not know You, then they will not understand my words and my actions will not make sense to them. Help me not to give up my life with You, bit by bit, as I compromise what You require to get what I desire. Help me to continue to live a life that pleases You. I realize You are teaching me how to take away the struggle in my interactions, how to eliminate the need for acceptance, and how to change my desire from convincing to demonstrating. Give me the wisdom to interact with everyone as Your child so they will see You and not me…