Played: 61 | Download | Duration: 00:02:14

Just Say No

... let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Early in our development, we assume that whenever opportunity knocks, we must answer the door and embrace whatever's standing there. Wrong! Opportunity does not equal obligation! In his book, Good To Great, Jim Collins says we all need a "stop doing" list. He writes: "Most of us lead busy but undisciplined lives. We have ever-expanding 'to do' lists, trying to build momentum by doing, doing, doing. But it rarely works. Those who built the good to great companies made as much use of 'stop doing' lists as 'to do' lists. They displayed a remarkable discipline to unplug all sorts of extraneous junk and channel their resources into only one or a few areas."

In his ground-breaking book, Focus, Al Reis adds, "It's been my experience that great leaders, in spite of a multitude of distractions, know how to keep things focused. They know how to inspire and motivate their followers to keep pushing 'the main chance'. They don't let side issues overwhelm them."

Often the reason we can't say no is that we're afraid of a) disappointing people b) being passed by c) missing out on good opportunities. But at some point we must face the fact that there will always be more opportunities than there is time to pursue them. If we don't choose our opportunities prayerfully and wisely, we'll dilute our efforts in every endeavor. Refusing to say no eventually robs you of your ultimate opportunity - fulfilling your God-given assignment. So choose your opportunities carefully. Many are worth missing. Be courageous - just say "No!"

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to say NO to things that detract from the thing(s) you would have me do! In Jesus' Name, Amen