What Makes Us Acceptable to God?

When I was a teenager, the body building champion Charles Atlas was a prime example of what was purported to be a “real man”. So many teenage boys and young men bought his book, which gave directions on how to achieve that awesome goal. For many young men, that goal still exists.

Being strong and healthy and one who will put his life on the line to rescue someone in trouble has always captured the imagination of others. Saul, the first king of Israel, fit the outward description of a real man. He was tall and strong, handsome and intelligent, and a brave warrior.

However, God rejected him and withdrew his blessing and protection because Saul’s behaviors and decisions were in conflict with God. A real man loves God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His desire is to live for God and serve him to the best of his ability.

God honors such a man and will bless him all the days of his life.  

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Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~John 8:31-32 Contemporary English Version

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Blessings from God vs. Despair

Enthusiasm and passion have much in common. Each projects zeal for accomplishing a particular objective. The Apostle Paul modeled for us exuberance for sharing the gospel with everyone. His letters written to young churches are filled with Christian doctrine while they remind us to practice self-restraint and sound judgment.

St. Paul's encounter with Jesus became his mountaintop, peak experience. It changed his identity, his name and purpose for living. The fire ignited in his soul constrained him from ever turning back to his former lifestyle. Samson, however, acknowledged God saved him from a dishonorable death, but he would not permit God to transform his values and behavior.

While visiting the town of Gaza, he responded to a prostitute’s enticing appeal. His weak moral and spiritual values were no match for his powerful, lustful cravings. If your passions are a detriment to your relationship with Christ Jesus, he stands at your heart’s door waiting to redeem and empower you.  

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Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me, [Lord]. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit, and you turned your eyes away from my sins.

~Isaiah 38:16-17 Contemporary English Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.