Accepted!

I think one of the real indicators of where you are in your faith is where you get your sense of self worth.

When you really believe in God, you have to trust Him.

One of the things we have to trust Him about is that He accepts us.

If God to you is just a good idea, or a by-product of our brains evolving or a comforting notion, then you won't care what He thinks about you, and you will draw your self worth from other sources.  The trouble with that is that other sources, including yourself are often flawed and come from a place of selfishness.

Here is an interesting scripture you can look up...


“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NIV).

I think I went for years and years, worried about what people thought of me.

I am sure a good therapist could figure out why.  One thing I do know is that it's no way to live.

We should care a little bit about what people think of us, but not to the degree that it takes over our lives.

I have discovered that when I am settled with what God thinks, I'm OK.  I can act.

Fear can dominate our thoughts when the most important thing in the world is to be liked, approved or accepted by others.

Think about how many decisions you have made out of fear of rejection.  Lot's right?

It's a basic human need, I get that.

It think that's why it's such a big thing in the bible.

Acceptance by God is one the main things we need to believe!

Try it!

Extra Grace Required

I have been stung by a devotional series from Rick Warren lately.

It's been about the subject of "Dealing with Difficult People"

For whatever reason, it seems I have encountered several of these types of folks and undoubtedly I have BEEN one!

I am a natural introvert and loner, so dealing with people at all is a draining experience for me.

I enjoy it, but I need frequent breaks just to recharge.

If you add to the mix a difficult person, well, you can see how that for someone like me, it can be easy to get thrown into great disarray!

You could define someone as "difficult" if they are overbearing, uncaring, narcissistic, selfish and rude.

Yup, I have been all those things!  (God help me!)

For me, it could also be someone who is none of those things, just a bit odd and hard to get to know.

What's difficult is getting to the core of who they are, so a real connection can happen.

I've been that person to!  (wow)

These devotionals have helped me a lot, and just so you know...it takes practice to love difficult people.

Here is Rick Warren's list of tips...

1. Look at their behavior.
2. Refuse to be offended.
3. Cut them some slack.
4. Refuse to gossip about them.
5. Refuse to play their game.
6. Always take the high ground.

I suggest you read each installment and let it sink in.

Here is the link.

I would love to hear your experiences.