Encouragement

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©Sue Shields 2004
www.sueshields.com

Everything living seems to need some form of acceptance from others. It is an outward appearance of protection for us that started in the crib. We can teach children what is acceptable behavior from their crib.

A baby learns very early what their parents find acceptable, many times a baby’s actions seems so cute that even bad behavior is acceptable, especially new parents and if they happen to be the first child. It can be a facial expression that actually doesn’t mean anything to the baby, but since they got the recognition they desired, it is repeated over and over. From experience that first child is such a miracle and we fail to realize they learn to manipulate us early on by our own reactions.

Now if they aren’t the first child, they may have to observe the parents actions more carefully to figure out what works for them. Pouting and puffing of the little cheeks in sadness might get the attention they need. Most parents do finally figure out how smart a child can be, plus the child gets older and those tantrums aren’t nearly as cute now. But the need to be accepted definitely began at birth.

Then as they grow older the pattern set in the crib just continues to seek out acceptance from their sphere of influence, be it family, teachers or friends they associate with. At this stage it is generally called peer pressure, we desire to belong to some group at school; we want to dress or go where everyone else goes, we have an inner desire to be accepted by our peers.

This pattern continues through out life in one form or another, we see people trying to keep up with the Jones as it is called. This can be in the area of work or materialistic things we desire to acquire in our life. It gives us pleasure to feel we have accomplished certain things, be that a position held or wealth earned. We desire a nice home, the latest car, an important position at work and money in the bank and then we will be accepted by others for our accomplishments.

The hunger for acceptance is never satisfied however with materialistic accomplishments. Although we seek fulfillment through the endeavors we pursue, material objects never seem to satisfy or have any realistic fulfillment in life, we always seek and desire more of life’s pleasures or a higher position as we continue down this path called life.

The rich man always wants more; it is the same with the poor man. Why?
Because man was born with that desire to be accepted by those around them this started in the crib. Even those who act and even state that they don’t care what others think about them, somewhere deep inside they desire to be accepted by someone. Too often they just refuse to be vulnerable to others and show that they have this need to be accepted because of former hurts along this pathway called life. They develop a thick shell around them often becoming bitter and cynical on the outside, but inside their heart has a desire to be accepted nevertheless.

God is more than willing to accept each of us into His Kingdom; God loves us and has given each of us the greatest opportunity ever offered to mankind to be totally accepted and it won’t cost you a dime. He is always patiently waiting for you to accept His free offer to enter into His Kingdom. Now that is true acceptance.
John 3:16 KJV

For God so loved that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomsoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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