Acceptance From My Father

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." - 1 John 3:1-3

I was working with a volunteer the other day. I showed her how to use a pneumatic construction stapler to secure slats on a bed frame. She was so excited and said that she wished that her dad could see her - he would be so proud. I took a picture of her stapling the bed frame and sent it to her. Her comment made me think about seeking a father's approval.

I think seeking approval from our fathers is something that is woven into our DNA. The only problem being that we live in a world that has been corrupted by sin - just like everything else that is good and rightly designed by God.  People want approval from their parents, and their dads in particular. Their dad may be a good dad or a not so good dad, but still there is the hope that he will approve of his children. Affirming their value. Allaying their doubts that they are somehow flawed - not good enough - unloved even.

I have known a number of people that were denied that approval - that affirmation - in their childhood and even in their adult lives.  They spend their lives seeking it. Trying to grasp something that they want desperately but is always seems just out of reach. Maybe they just have to try a little harder! They may even see other siblings receive approval which only reinforces the idea that maybe it's them. Maybe they don't deserve it. Listen, if this is not you then you are indeed blessed. But if it is you, then you need to read this because there is good news.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:3-14

Our Father loves us with an everlasting love. We are accepted and blessed, not because we deserve it but because He loves us. Because Jesus made the way for us. And we have been sealed by His Spirit, like a stamp of His approval - proof that we are His children. Approval not based upon how He happens to feel that day - He never changes and His love never fails. I did not have the impression that the woman I mentioned had a bad relationship with her dad - but still the need to affirm his approval was important to her.

As a final note. Dads and moms, make certain your children know that they are loved - not because they are perfect - but because they are your children. Show them the love of your Father and point them to Jesus. Be the light.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone