Do you worry about "acceptance"? You should! Sorta! Romans 12

Everyone seems to have a different method or mission in regard to be "accepted" by others. Some will go to eany length to "fit in" or to get othrs to "accept" them. Some view themselves as "mature" and therefore not needing anyone's acceptance - there is a feeling that this is the mark of maturity. Others simple "don't care" what people think and go on with their life in the way they want; disgarding others and living on the Island of Disconnect. With all these different quests perhaps we should let Romans 12 give us direction. Which one is the correct mind set or mission? In Romans 12:1 and 2 we read that we are to "present our bodies to God as living sacrifices, because this is our 'acceptable' duty in worship." Paul adds in the next verse that we are to renew our minds so that we can find what that "acceptable" and perfect will of God is. Later in 14:18 we read that their is a way we can find ourselves "acceptable" to God. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:10 that we are to always be discerning to "prove what is acceptable" in our lives for God. However, before we move into a life of "I have to prove myself to God" we have to remember that God has already placed us into the Beloved and "accepted" us based upon Christ's sacrifice. So, we are both accepted (Positionally) and yet need to seek God's acceptance (Practically). God wants us to yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is producing fruit in our lives, to show us what is "acceptable" to God. By living a life that is discern what is acceptable to Him we will find ourselves acceptable to others. We need not concern ourselves with being accepted by others as long as we are searching and yielding to what is acceptable to God. Whatever the view of others on seeking approval, believers are told to find approval in submitting to God's will through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who renews our minds.