Acceptance.
November 28th, 2006
People desire acceptance. Some would say it’s what makes us human. That we not only choose it for societal efficiencies such as protection, but that it breaches desire in the emotional sense and becomes more of a longing, a need. We need to feel included.
If you don’t believe me, take a look at the world around you. It isn’t just about being popular in school, or getting the right boy to like you, or being voted class president. It transcends all ages and interest groups, religions and ideals. Democracy was born of the desire to be included. That all people great and small may share their voice, that all may be heard, and included. Wars are waged because some people won’t accept others.
Don’t get me wrong, I do not mean to trivialize the troubles or trials faced by the many engaged in a cross generational battle. Nor do I mean to belittle the virtues of democracy and other ideals. But the simple fact remains that we, as people, have consistently setup systems of societal inclusion whether they be of tolerance or ironically expulsion.
Why? Why a need to feel a part of a greater force? The fear of exclusion and rejection is a very powerful force. It coerces us into regrettable actions. Then, if we are fortunate enough to have a group we can call our own, we live with the fear of being outcast if we do not comply with the societal norms, or rituals in place. We live and move with this fear as much as with the desire itself.
How can we rid ourselves of this fear that daily applies strain to our lives and in our relationships?
Perhaps the answer to that isn’t seeking the approval of the masses. Perhaps it isn’t committing one more self-deprecating act soon to be regretted. Maybe it isn’t tearing down protective barriers that you have built around you and exposing your self to imminent dangers. Maybe it’s not winning the vote for homecoming king, beating that other school at that sport, sharing distaste towards someone with your clique, downing a few more self-ratifying drinks, or detaching yourself from reality with one more group-approved hit.
Maybe the reason we have this fear is because we are amply aware of our own fickle acceptance of others. We know that any wrong move could lead to exclusion because we exile others for the slightest infractions. We fear it, because we do it so often.
The answer then lies not in people, but in a greater form of acceptance. An acceptance that transcends races, religions, and ideals. An inclusion in love that is not faltered by any minor mistake, or deterred by harsh moment-induced opinions. A sense of belonging regardless of prior sins.
Obviously, we won’t find this in sort of acceptance with any human group or association, no single person nor relationship with anyone can grant us such deep and immovable love. Only God can provide it. The one single relationship that promises an undying love, an unfaltering commitment to our wellbeing and acceptance. An opportunity to live without fear of rejection.
Can you imagine a world of people who embrace this truth? No longer would we need fear, nor desire acceptance from others. No longer would we stoop to levels of immorality and hatred repeatedly in attempt to gain friendship and inclusion. Why seek anyones approval when you have the acceptance of the creator of the universe?
