I often stand in front of four long rows of clothes—all mine, trying to decide what to wear. My husband will walk by me and ask, “Nothing to wear?” It’s a joke. You and your spouse may have the same joke. I have so many clothes that I am almost ashamed to admit it. I still go shopping and I still enjoy a good sale. What is it about new clothes that make us feel better?
Trying to decipher these feelings in myself I can’t ignore the word “ACCEPTANCE” flashing in the back of my mind. Acceptance is one of two gatekeepers that stop me from experiencing God’s grace. This is how Lysa TerKeurst explains it:
“Acceptance is enticing with his offerings of compliments and big promises. But though he is fun for a moment, soon my mind is flooded with concerns of being able to continue to impress him. I am quickly overwhelmed with pondering my interactions with others and keeping score on the table of comparison.”
Does Mr. Acceptance tell you that you look beautiful at a particular weight? Did he send a compliment your way about that outfit or a pair of jeans? When we feel acceptance based on our weight, hair style, clothing choices, or actions, we are allowing Mr. Acceptance to keep us from Grace. You see, beyond the gate that Mr. Acceptance is guarding is grace. Our Father stands on the other side with His eyes fixed on us—no matter our size, hair style or clothing choices. He thinks we are BEAUTIFUL! After all, He created us.
Today, tomorrow and every day forever you are beautiful! Your Father has His arms open wide, waiting to hold you and tell you how precious you are. He accepts you no matter what. Your external appearance doesn’t affect His love for you. His love is not based on your performance. His love is “based on His perfect surrender at the cross.” You have to choose His love and acceptance right where you are today. When you accept the compliments of Mr. Acceptance, it reveals the pride in your heart that has yet to be laid before the cross. It shows you seeking to please your flesh instead of feeding your spirit.
How can I know this? Because my friend, I have danced with Mr. Acceptance. I have tasted the sweetness of his attention and when I don't match the "criteria", he pushes me to conform. He still wants my attention. Often he throws sweet-little-nothings at me. Today I choose to push past Mr. Acceptance and walk through the gate to my Father. His embrace is secure and I can rest in His truth.
“Why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these… Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, will he not much more clothe you?” –Matthew 6:28-30
Today is a normal day. You can eat normal portions of healthy foods. Prepare your mind for tomorrow which will be a fast day. Just one word about tomorrow: if you take medication, please do not try to follow the fast on water only. Make sure you consume some form of protein so you can safely take your medication.
You are beautiful! You are blessed!
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