THINGS WE MUST ACCEPT

 

 

As Christians, there are certain things that we must accept. Do you know what they are?

 

According to the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, the word accept means - "to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable; to endure without protest or reaction; to give admittance or approval to; to receive willingly or favorably; to recognize as true."

 

There are certain things, people, or situations in our Christian walk which we are required by God to accept. They include certain conditions that we must "endure without reaction or protest" or "regard as inevitable" as well as certain people whom we must be willing to "receive willingly or favorably."

 

Let's examine the Scriptures which teach us our necessary obligations. May we, in turn, apply these truths to our Daily Walk so that our lives may be "acceptable, wellpleasing to God."   

 

1. We Must Accept All Authority

 

1 Peter 2:13 - "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake..."

 

One thing we must understand is that submitting to a given authority, established over our lives, is God's idea. As Christians, we have a duty to submit to "every ordinance of man" unless it conflicts with God's Holy Word.

 

Father God does not want His children to be rebels. He has raised up those in authority to punish the evildoers and reward the good. They have been appointed for the good of society. Hence, the saints of God, especially, are to joyfully, willingly, and voluntarily - not grudgingly or under compulsion - obey the laws and show reverence and respect for those issuing them.

 

If you will notice - the Apostle Peter doesn't make it a matter of choice or personal conviction when he says to all believers - "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man..." It's not an option but an obligation.

 

Why should the saints "submit"? What would be their main motive in doing so?

 

Peter answers that question with these words - "...for the Lord's sake."

 

Hence, we obey the laws of the land on account of the Lord Who has entrusted the authorities with their power for our good and safety.

 

Even in the smallest matters - as driving the Speed Limit, always wearing a seat belt when driving, or reserving the "wheelchair" parking space for only those who are entitled to it - God commands us to "submit."   

 

2. We Must Accept Both Blessing & Adversity >From The Lord

 

Job 2:10 - "But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?..."

 

Job's rhetorical question to his wife - "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" was meant to teach the lesson that Christians will face good times as well as the bad in their daily lives. Come what may - they are to trust in the Lord with all of their hearts.

 

In times of prosperity, they are to rejoice and be thankful, and when things are falling apart all around them or they are being stripped of their many blessings, they are to hold fast their integrity. 

 

As Christians, we must submit to all arrangements of God, without murmuring and complaining. If after pouring out upon us abundant blessings and enjoyments, He then allows us to suffer privations for a period of testing, we need not find fault. He is and always will be a Good God.

 

In Ecclesiastes 7:14, King Solomon instructed us, by saying- "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him."

 

"...God also hath set the one over against the other..." - After blessing us abundantly, should we be surprised or think it strange if, for some reason, He ordains some form of adversity to come our way - for a season - in order that our hearts may be purified or that we may be partakers of His holiness? 

 

Will we be classified with the Idumean women who would cast away their gods if they didn't get what they asked when they prayed?  

Like Job's wife, will we be likened unto a "foolish woman" - an infidel or one who has no knowledge of God - because we are not willing to trust God in the Good Times as well as in the Bad? 

 

3. We Must Accept One Another

 

Romans 14:1 - "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

Romans 15:7 - "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

 

"As Christ...received us" so are we are to cordially receive all Christians in a true spirit of brotherly love. Though we may oftentimes differ in opinion over small matters, we should strive to maintain a loving regard for each other. What Glory God receives when brethren "dwell together in unity."

 

In the Body of Christ, there will be those who are "weak in the faith" and those who are "strong, " established, or mature. The "strong" must not despise, denounce, judge, treat with contempt, argue or contend with those who are "less mature" over doubtful things like opinions, uncertain points of controversy, or issues that are not morally wrong. Instead, they should seek to help, encourage, and "receive" their "weak" brethren with the greatest affection, kindness, and tenderness.  

 

4. We Must Accept Counsel & Discipline

 

Proverbs 4:10 - "Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings..."

Proverbs 19:20 - "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."

 

If we want to be wise, we must be willing to "hear counsel, and receive instruction." The more wisdom we receive from the Word, the more Christlike we will become.

 

Our search or desire for Wisdom cannot be nonchalant. We must diligently attend to the Word, allowing it to take hold of our hearts and lives. However, we cannot stop there. We must then allow it to rule our lives, while correcting and changing anything that is contrary to its demands. 

 

5. We Must Accept Our Role In Marriage

 

1 Peter 3:1 - "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives."

1 Peter 3:7 - "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

 

Wives are to cheerfully submit to their husband's authority as the head and ruler of the home. They are to willingly place themselves under his guidance and control. If he happens to be an unbeliever who "obeys not the word," they are to influence him for the Lord through their loving, reverential, and respectful attitude as well as through their affectionate, obedient conduct or behavior.

 

Husbands are to graciously honor their wives as joint-heirs "of the grace of life." In a spirit of unselfishness, they are to treat her with tenderness, kindness, and high regard - not as one inferior but as one who is of a feebler or weaker frame.

 

6. We Must Accept The Particular Situation In Which God Places Us

 

1 Corinthians 7:17 - "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk..."

 

The Scriptures tell us that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts(Isaiah 55:8). At conversion, many feel the urge to change their state, position, lot, calling, or circumstance. The Scriptures admonish us to accept our designated condition or situation as from the Lord. We are required to fulfill the duties of our assigned calling or position in order that we may demonstrate to all the effect that Christianity can and will have on a person's life. 

 

All Authority...

Both Blessing & Adversity...

One Another...

Counsel & Discipline...

Our Role In Marriage...

Our Particular Situation -

These are the definite things that we must accept in our Christian life.

 

How well have we done so far in our Walk with the Lord?

Are we moving toward a conformity to God's Word or are we walking in rebellion to His standards?

 

May the Holy Spirit use this message as a Progress Report in each of our lives.

And may we make the necessary changes that need to be made.

 

Connie