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

THE TWO PHASES OF OUR WALK WITH THE FATHER

There is a progression that every believer must experience: the journey from being accepted to becoming approved. When the heavens opened at Jesus' baptism, the Father’s voice declared two powerful truths—“This is My beloved Son” and “in whom I am well pleased.” These two phrases represent two distinct phases of our Christian walk: first, a relationship established by salvation, and second, a life that brings pleasure to the Father through obedience and maturity.

The first phase, “This is My beloved Son”, speaks of God's unconditional love and acceptance. It is the starting point of the Christian journey. Ephesians 2:1-2 reminds us that before salvation, we were dead in trespasses and sins, but through Christ, we have been quickened and brought into the family of God. In this phase, God's love is not based on our performance but entirely on His grace. You did not earn your place as His child; it was a gift freely given. However, the second phase, “in whom I am well pleased,” is different. This phase demands a response from us. Pleasing the Father is not automatic; it requires a daily walk of obedience, faith, and alignment with His will. It is possible to be a child of God and yet not bring Him pleasure. Many believers are content with acceptance but never press into the life of divine approval where the Father can boldly declare His pleasure over them.

I want you to learn that acceptance guarantees you a place in the family, but approval qualifies you for intimacy, authority, and inheritance. The Father loves all His children equally, but He does not approve of them equally. Pleasing the Father involves walking by faith, yielding your will to His, and living in the consciousness of His presence daily. It is not about struggling to be loved; you are already loved. It is about choosing to live in such a way that His heart rejoices over you. Today, I challenge you to set your heart on this higher calling. Don’t be satisfied with merely being in the family; grow into a son or daughter who delights the heart of the Father.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you simply enjoying the Father’s acceptance or are you pursuing a life that brings Him pleasure? How conscious are you daily about living a life that is well-pleasing to Him?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for accepting me into Your family through Jesus' sacrifice. Grant me grace to grow daily, walking in alignment with Your will. Let my life reflect Your heart and be a sweet fragrance to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.