I remember the days when I had not yet given my life to the Lord. Things were very different for me back then. I had a problem that I struggled really long and hard to solve. See friend, back then, I was the person every bully in my class would pick on. Sure, I had a few "less hostile" companions. However, there would rarely be a day where I could get by without having one of the "top dogs" in my class push me around. This went on for such a long time it became culture!

Because of this, I sought to be accepted as an equal--to be treated with the same respect as others more popular than me. That, of course, meant one thing. I had to somehow belong to the popular group. I had to try and fit in. And so I did. I compromised and began to be as they were--to act like them, even to the extent of treating other people the way they treated me. Thank God this didn't go on for very long. But I still cannot forget all the things that I was willing to do and give up just to be accepted.

To belong to something, especially to a prestigious group, really matters to alot of people. As the saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Be it a club, a gang, a fraternity, people want to belong and to be accepted. There are many reasons for this. One is the sense of security. Another would be a sense of pride or self-worth. And for others it's simply the thought of not being alone.

When I met the Lord, He opened my heart to something that would change my life forever. The Lord Jesus made me realize that I was giving up my life for the wrong people, the wrong group, for the wrong reasons. In the eyes of some people, I probably was revered to a certain degree. However, in the eyes of God I was headed for a dead end. He wasn't at all pleased with me.

Cain and Abel brought offerings one day to one God. Abel's was accepted. Cain, however, received nothing short of God's rejection.

This article is not written to discuss the reasons why Cain's offering was not accepted.That is for another issue. This article, however, has but one important point to deliver and that is God will not accept everyone.

You might be in the most sought after position in the whole world. You are feared and revered by all. Everyone bows and trembles at your very presence. You are a star with an ocean of fans. A living idol, some may call you. Sad to say, none of this will mean a thing without the favor of God.

To please God is so much more important than pleasing men. Especially when you realize that the acceptance we get from certain types of people are but superficial. Fake. Plastic. Selfish. With God, it's real. He loves us. And His power and authority way surpasses any politician, star, or idol in this world. There is no one that He cannot lift up. No matter how low or alone you may think you are right now, God's presence in your life will make all the difference. He is the one you need to seek acceptance from. And when you receive it, the rejection of men won't matter. God will hold you close and keep you warm and safe.

Today, I find that the old saying is true. It is who you know that matters. Now I know God. I belong to His family. I am secure in Christ. And no, I am never alone.

Friend, are you looking for real acceptance? Are you looking for someone who will never let you down? Well, you may not realize it, but you' re looking for God. Just call out to Him. He's just waiting to answer your call.

To be accepted by all but rejected by God is never worth it.