Can You Say No?

^{11 “}For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Titus 2:11-12

My life runs better when I learn to say “No”.

I can’t make it any simpler. We have become part of a culture that almost always says yes. To deny ourselves the fulfillment of our particular desires seems impossible– considering our track record. We pretty much seek out our particular pleasure, and then take our lumps and absorb all the consequences.

Things then, digress and “solidify” from this point. Deeply ingrained habits become almost impossible to break. We are now being held in a very certain bondage. And all because we can’t say “no”.

Perhaps this will become a learning point, when we start to say “no” to our desires. We can’t let temptation have its way, we must stand and say “no!” It is no sin to be tempted, Jesus was tempted, and did not sin against His Father. In Psalm 40:8, we come to a certain understanding.

“I take joy in doing your will, my God,
    for your instructions are written on my heart.”

The deep and earnest passion of our Father is that we learn this. To joyfully each morning to find ourselves excited about being “will-doers.” And also “no-sayers.” When Satan tempts us, we must object. We may still get confused, and sin. But we will also taste victory.

Will you just say “no?”

ybic, Bryan

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