ROMANS 14:18

“For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.”

A child always wants to be accepted and approved by their earthly father. They will do all sorts of things to try to win that. Some children will mimic their dads by wearing their shoes or glasses. They want to be like dad. Other children may grow up and go into the family business or the same career as their fathers just to try to get that acceptance or approval. I know I always wanted to make my dad proud of me. And I think I achieved that before he died. I sure miss my dad.

Aren’t you glad we are told exactly how to get our heavenly Father’s acceptance and approval? Paul tells us as we serve Christ (in the ways he just talked about in this 14^th chapter of Romans) we are doing what He wants us to do. This phrase “is acceptable to God and approved by other people” means “the things which God delights in, and men are constrained to approve. (Compare Pr 3:4; Lu 2:52; Ac 2:47; 19:20).” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary). Let’s look at some of these verses just referenced.

APPLICATION

We are told in Proverbs 3:4, “So you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.” You really need to back up and read verses 1-3 to get the full context of verse 4. Those verses read, “1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” The father is giving his son some instructions to earn this favor and good reputation.

Then we see in Luke 2:52 that was something that Jesus saw in His own life. “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” This was the end of the story about Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem and his parents finding him three days later in the temple. Don’t miss what verse 51 said – “and He continued to be subject to them.” Even Jesus obeyed His parents resulting in favor with God and people.

And we see this in the book of Acts with the early believers in Christ. Acts 2:47a says they were “praising God and having favor with all the people.” These followers of Christ continued to live in their communities and interact with others. Their communal spirit was recognized and acknowledged. We have that same responsibility today, don’t we? I am reminded of John 15:8 which says, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Glorify the Father today!

Father God, I am so thankful You have accepted me and approve of me.

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