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

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL

God’s love for us is vast and unconditional, but His approval is conditional and earned through our daily choices. John 3:16 (KJV) tells us, “For God so loved the world…” — not just the Church, but the entire world. This unconditional love brings us into acceptance without demanding anything from us. However, Romans 8:30 (KJV) shows a deeper progression: "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." Glorification follows justification, and it is reserved for those who grow into maturity and alignment with the Father’s will. Acceptance is free; approval must be pursued intentionally.

Many Christians stop at enjoying the unconditional love of the Father without realising that divine approval requires their active participation. God can love a believer who is living carelessly, but cannot approve of such a life. Approval speaks of a life that reflects God’s standards, a life that can be entrusted with divine assignments and eternal rewards. It is one thing to be a child in the house; it is another to be a son or daughter that the Father delights in and entrusts with responsibilities. The journey from acceptance to approval is the journey of discipleship, maturity, and obedience.

I want you to learn that if you only pursue acceptance, you will enjoy the Father's love but miss the Father's best. If you pursue divine approval, you will not only continue in His love but also experience His pleasure, authority, and promotion. It is not enough that you are saved; you must grow, develop spiritual muscles, and live daily to bring joy to His heart. As you walk through this devotional, let the cry of your heart be, “Father, help me to grow beyond mere acceptance into the place where I am approved and delighted in by You.” That is the true goal of Christianity.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you actively pursuing divine approval or merely enjoying divine acceptance? How does understanding the distinction between love and approval reshape your walk with God?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally. I receive grace to pursue Your approval with all my heart. Help me to live in a way that brings You joy. May my life be a testimony of both Your love and Your pleasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.