Played: 57 | Download | Duration: 00:02:13

Learn To Say No

Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
James 5:12

Often we have difficulty saying no because we're afraid people won't like us. Or we believe that to be "a good Christian" we must always say yes. People who never learn to say no end up disliking themselves ‘ as well as the people they're trying to please. The Bible says, "let your no be [a simple] no, so that you may not sin..." Only when you find the courage to say no, do you stop lying about your real needs and start respecting yourself. In time, others will too. If you're having trouble in this area, here are some pointers: 1) Resist the pressure to give an immediate response! Develop a policy of not making commitments without consulting your calendar and praying about them first. The Bible says, "if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you" (James 1:5). It's simple - pause and ask God! 2) Limit what you say yes to, then stick with it! If you're already over-committed, don't take on more because you feel pressured, guilty, or indispensable. You'll discover you're only indispensable until you say no (or die)! 3) Go with your gifts! God has given each of us unique abilities and talents. If you've to choose between singing in the choir or sitting on the finance committee, go where your talents will best be utilized. Is this easy? No! But unless you learn to do it, you'll end up investing too much in what seems important, while neglecting what God's truly called you to do.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me in my choice of commitments in serving others so that I can best be serving you! In Jesus' Name, Amen