I am a firm believer that our personalities are shaped throughout our lives. I am a living example of someone who's innate nature-being an introvert-can be altered or changed. You don't expect an introvert to do a lot of public speaking. Yet I do. This is because the nature of a person isn't set in stone. However you are, you can change.
I believe in accepting people for who they are. That doesn't mean that we must exclude improvement to the relationship and to the character. Accepting someone for who they are means that you allow them into your life with all their faults and weaknesses. If they were perfect, they certainly wouldn't need you! Relationships are to help each other. They are to strengthen each other. They are to help each other grow.
So, in that context, yes, you ought to accept people for the way they are. You ought to love people with all the faults and weaknesses that they come with.
But that doesn't mean that you should be satisfied with the way you are. Saying, 'This is just the way I am', is an excuse. It is an excuse not to grow, not to behave properly, not to do the right thing, or to do what you need to do.
Although I don't think a person should be overly critical of himself, I do believe that everyone should recognize the need to grow and improve. The moment that you have arrived in life where you no longer need improvement is probably the moment that you're dead as well. Life is about relationships and growth. If a person can't improve, he will not improve his relationships either.
Accepting other people as they are is important. You are entering into a relationship. But that relationship should improve and grow over time. This is what makes a relationship meaningful--when the experiences of the relationship change and alters both involved for the better. Note this Biblical verse:
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
The impact of a relationship should be that of growth. So accepting someone as they are is important, but never be satisfied with what you are. You want to grow, to change, to improve, and to be much more than you are. Only in this manner can a relationship achieve the depth and breadth that it is capable of.
Author Resource:-
Greg S. Baker is a Pastor, Counselor, and Author specializing in building and strengthening relationships.
For more books and resources on how to communicate better, express yourself, and strengthen social skills. Check out our book, 'Fitly Spoken', a Christian based book that explores the intricacies of human communication and expression in relationships.
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