From Acceptance to Approval: Living a Life That Pleases the Fatherنموونە

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: FROM FAMILY TO SERVICE

Every Christian begins their journey by stepping into a relationship with the Father, but God's ultimate desire is that we move beyond the family stage into the realm of service and responsibility. Romans 8:29 reveals that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son — a Son who lived not for Himself, but for the Father's pleasure. Likewise, John 1:12 (KJV) says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…” Notice that the power was given not just to remain children but to grow into sons — sons who reflect the Father's heart and handle the Father's business.

The first phase of our Christian walk is acceptance: stepping out of the world and stepping into the family of God. This phase is characterised by unconditional love and access to divine blessings. However, the second phase — pleasing the Father — is about maturity. It involves taking up spiritual responsibilities, aligning with divine priorities, and seeking the Father's joy over personal comfort. Many believers celebrate their acceptance but never press into divine approval, where the Father entrusts them with higher assignments and deeper revelations. Growth into sonship is not automatic; it requires intentional pursuit, submission, and the willingness to sacrifice self-interest for the Father's will.

I want you to learn that the heart of Christianity is not just enjoying the Father's love but striving to bring Him pleasure through a life of service and obedience. God is looking for sons and daughters who will graduate from enjoying provision to becoming trusted stewards of His kingdom. As you go through this devotional, make it your goal to move beyond merely being a recipient of blessings to becoming a son who gladdens the Father's heart. That is the true mark of growing beyond acceptance into divine approval.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you content to remain at the family level of Christianity, or are you pursuing maturity into responsible sonship? What spiritual responsibilities are you embracing as signs of your growth?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for welcoming me into Your family through Christ. Please give me grace to grow into a responsible son who brings You joy. Help me embrace my duties with joy and live daily with a heart set on doing Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.