Self Acceptance

The virtue of self-acceptance is a common theme in our society. People are praised for discovering who they are, coming to terms with that person, and embracing that self, no matter what the flaw. Recent movements have really latched on to this concept and what was once a choice is now something that you are born with and something that you must accept—indeed, embrace and flaunt.

I was listening to a sermon by John Piper on the book of Zephaniah where he discusses that man has a desire to worship something and a desire for complete autonomy. What better way to achieve these ends than to worship the self.

The acceptance of self is a three part process. First, one must “discover” who they are. Yet, instead, they are discovering who they are not. If one were truly such and such a label, it likely would not take a lengthy process of discovery. Second, they must then come to terms with what they discover. The natural law has placed upon their hearts an idea of sin and morality. Although one can sometimes struggle to do what is right, the realization or conviction of what to do is usually more apparent. And finally, because they have discovered who they are not called to be, and because such a person is diametrically opposed to God, they must then force themselves to fall in love with the self. The end result is that in an effort to discover themselves, they have discovered and become their complete antithesis. Thus, it is not surprising that those who are transgender and receive an operation actually have a high, post-operation suicide and depression rate despite the fact that they “discovered” themselves and followed through.