Admired, Not Accepted
John 15:19 - If you belong to the world, it would love you as it's own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
It seems like the one challenge people will always face is the desire of acceptance. It doesn't matter if you're a student, a mom or employee at a Fortune 500 company. No matter where we are at in life we are surrounded by people and as humans God has wired us with a natural desire for relationship. With that natural desire to be in community with others the challenge is how do we stand for something, yet stand together with others.
It's acceptable to be different, but when you actually embrace who you are and what you believe in that's admirable. I'd rather be admired than accepted, and this world is looking to Christians to finally be who they say they are. It's possible that you may be respected and liked by your peers, and not be popular or completely accepted. The point is to live your life in a way that people are drawn to you because of Christ's love in you, not because you do and say everything they do.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
It's simple. Find what you believe in. Stand up for what you believe in and don't let anyone talk you out of it at the expense of being accepted. Be admired, not accepted.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Lord, today I before you and ask you to forgive me if I've ever been ashamed of you. You stand for freedom, love and so much good. I will stand for truth and love and all that you represent. Let me be a light to my world, without having to become just like it. May the world admire Jesus in me and come to know the love I've found in you. In Jesus name, Amen.
