Preapproved and Accepted

I keep receiving letters in the mail from financial institutions and other businesses that used to make me frustrated but now make me smile. The writing on the envelope usually says in big, bold letters, "You are Preapproved," or "Accepted, Regardless of Your History!"

While shredding the most recent note, something stirred inside me. I am preapproved; I am accepted, but not in the way they imply.

If Abraham, by what he did for God, got God to approve him, he could certainly have taken credit for it. But the story we’re given is a God-story, not an Abraham-story. What we read in Scripture is, “Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own." (Romans 4:2-3 MSG)

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 NIV)

I do not have to worry about my past because I am accepted regardless of my history. I am preapproved for the glorious eternity that awaits me. All I have to do is believe in the one who spread his arms wide on a cross to ensure I would never be rejected.

Now, those are wonderful reminders to receive in the mail - often!

Lord, judging by the frequency I receive these letters, you must enjoy reminding me of these facts over and over again. Help me to live fully from the acceptance you give freely and to share that with others around me. Amen.