Accepted

Psychologists tell us that one of the most powerful forces in humanity is acceptance. It’s what we all crave. We all want to be liked and feel like we belong. For many leaders, the need for acceptance is one of the most difficult challenges we face. The pursuit of acceptance can prevent us from taking a stand, making hard decisions, or speaking the truth to power. As leaders, we have to stand on the truth that God has accepted us (Romans 15:7). We do not have to live or lead for the acceptance of others because we’re already accepted by God.

When we put our trust in Jesus as our Savior, we became children of God and are accepted into His family (Romans 8:17). We must remember that Christ sees us at our best, as well as our very worst, and still accepts us completely. Now God does not approve of everything we do, but He does accept and forgive us.

While we may have to earn acceptance from people, we do not have to earn it from God. We do not have to prove ourselves to Him. Instead of living for the acceptance of people, we can live, love, and lead from a place of acceptance. We’re accepted by Christ today, tomorrow, and always. No matter what.

Affirmation: I am accepted.

Reflection: How does the drive to be accepted by others affect your leadership approach? How can leading from a place of acceptance change your leadership approach?