Anybody that knows me will tell you that I am by nature a people pleaser. This of course has been both a blessing and a curse in my life. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during my journey as a Christian is when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” As Christians we have a tendency to say “yes” a lot, and “no” not so often especially when asked to do something. Speaking from experience I want to challenge you to say "no" more often, so you can begin to say "yes" to the things that matter most.
If you are like me you probably say yes a lot because you want to please others – it just seems so Christian – and you probably don’t want others thinking badly of you or have people become disappointed or angry with you. Does this sound anything like you? Do you want people to really like you? Can you identify with the “logic” that says, “I am a Christian, I care about people, and I’m supposed to help others – so when I am asked to do something, I am expected to say yes at all times”? If so, you are not alone!
Actually, I am becoming better at saying "no". The problem is that busyness makes us somehow feel important but also has a tendency to slowly destroy our relationships. Busyness also feeds our egos making us think we are irreplaceable and in the process drains us physically and spiritually. I dont know about you but I have found that busyness has a magical way of filling our calendars with programs and activities and expectations at the expense of time with our families and friends. And finally I have found that busyness removes us from what really matters – people and relationships and shrinks our hearts.
So if you feel like you cannot keep up with all the expectations you yourself and others place on you take a deep breath and listen to the word of God. We all need to learn to say “no” to many good things and wonderful people in order to have the space to say “yes” to God, yes to the important people in your life, yes to what really matters most.
Thus says the Lord, “ask where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). I would like to suggest that the “good way” is learning to say “no” to certain things in order to say “yes” to what God truly wants for you. Have the courage to walk in it and find rest for your soul.
For thought:
1. What can you say no to this week that will enable you to say yes to something that matters most?