Rejection or Acceptance?

by Charles W. Wages

An advertisement once was seen which announced, "Rejects - One half price. " This was advertising tires, not people; however, it represents a principle of life that is a major cause of fear of rejection. This fear has a devastating effect on human lives. It can be seen in neglected, rejected babies and children and it can be observed in the elderly.

The effect of rejection causes people to do things they shouldn't, such as, turning from friends and parents, committing robbery, murder, and worst of all, rejecting the Lord.

It is difficult for a person who is obsessed with a fear of being rejected to express their true feelings to other persons or concerning important matters in their life. For example, it is difficult for them to say "no. " Contrariwise, as strange as it may seem, it might deter them from saying "yes" to the Lord for salvation. This is tragic in view of our Lord's wonderful statement, "him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out", (John 6:37). Also Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved."

Sometimes, it is hard for a person who feels rejected to accept praise, that is, genuine commendation. They possibly feel so inadequate that they have a hard time believing anyone means it. Surely, persons should not seek the favor of men, but remember, the Lord taught a parable in which the nobleman said to a faithful servant, "Well done, thou faithful servant . . . " (Luke 19:17) Also, Paul wrote the Philippian believers and stated, "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. (Philippians 4:14).

There is a remedy for this problem caused by the fear of being rejected.
That "cure" is simply its counterpart, acceptance. First and foremost is to believe the scripture which says,

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)

This process of God, "wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved", results in our being made gracious or acceptable. Seeing this is a stated fact, why worry or fret when maybe some misguided individual rejects or shuns us? After all, God received us when we believed Him through our Lord Jesus Christ!

There is another great truth that tends to dispel any type of fear, that is, God has plans for our lives, right down to the "end. " Jeremiah 29: 11 reads,

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. "

Knowing and accepting the truth that God thinks of peace for our life is in itself a tremendously heartwarming fact. It is good just to know God is thinking about me, but to know that He has planned my life right down to the end, makes me to rejoice, and fears subside.

In closing, it is assuring to know that we have a place of refuge. Wonderful truths are found in Psalms 62, especially verses 5 through 8. Verses 6 and 7 say,

"He only is my rock and my salvation He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

Dear friend, if you have not as yet received the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, please do so. Remember, the scripture says, "But as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even them that believe on His name." (John 1:12) God will receive you. He will not turn you away if only you will turn to Him and believe that "Christ died for your sins, according to the scriptures; and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day, according to the scriptures. " a Corinthians 15:3-4)

Dear Believer, trust God and His word as to your eternal position in Christ, "accepted in the Beloved." He loves you, desires to use you for His glory, and has already planned for you in the glory.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, Lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path." (Prov. 3:5-16.)