Already Approved

Sweet sisters in Christ – former procrastinators by His grace – let’s remind ourselves of the truth of our situation: We are already approved.

In my battle against piles, I remember Our Father God does not require that I have a pile-free home or a file system that works beautifully or any other improvement in place that I think would make me better. He already approves of me, affirms me, endorses me.

Our Father God thought of you and me – He had the idea of us. He wanted us so He made us. He redeemed us. He is sanctifying us. He is coming back for us! These are overwhelming truths. Hallelujah! Worship Him!

Am I working for my own approval? Who is it I worship? Worship Him.

We should keep the truth of Ephesians 1:1-14 in the forefront of our hearts and minds. He has chosen us to be holy and without blame before Him in love… by Jesus Christ…to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood… according to the riches of His grace… In Him also we have obtained an inheritance…that we… should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted…in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…to the praise of His glory.

God wants to change me to be like Jesus – who didn’t have a file system. He wants my cooperation in this process of sanctification. He wants me to hold His hand through the process, not forge ahead, lag behind, or charge off to the side without Him. He wants me to act as He prompts.

I’m thrilled that we get to change and grow at any age of our lives. At the same time, it’s important not to let my life be just striving. He wants my growth, too, and He has the wisest ways.

I want to remember what He has done for me and be glad. What relief! I don’t have to strive for acceptance. I can be grateful, be free – already. In heaven there will be no disgust with myself, no struggle with myself. But even here I do not have to work to earn my way to heaven or “improve” my way there. Jesus the Perfect One has already secured God’s approval of me.

Because of Jesus I am now accepted, approved. Worship Him! Rest in Him and rely on Him – not on a system of improvement. Relax. Be grateful. Enjoy.

Because He approves me, because I’m grateful, because I want to be effective for Him, I want to cooperate with His change in me. I am privileged to seek growth fully assured I already have His approval.

Sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. In what area does your spirit especially rejoice because you are already approved?