Saying "No" means saying "Yes".

During Sunday's message on worry, I shared about the idea of learning to say "no" to things/devotions/passions in my life in order that I might say "yes" to the things of God.  Saw it shared a little differently this week and was challenged and thought I would share it here.

I don't know of anyone at Mill Creek who is actively involved in the armed forces at this time.  That means I don't have to obey orders.  I'm not going to be court martialed or shot or thrown in the brig if I say "no" in life.  I have a choice.  This is very important.  While I can't control what people demand of me, I can control my reaction and response.

I am responsible to set the boundaries of what I will and won't do, what I will or won't tolerate, what I will or won't sacrifice. 

Now you could reply, "Well of course I'm not legally obligated to do what they want, but its unrealistic to think that I can just say 'no'.  I could lose my job.  I could get passed over for a promotion or a raise."  I agree, that's true.  Actions have consequences.  But it's not a question of whether to say "no".  Every choice you make requires you to say "no" to something or someone, every choice is a tradeoff.

* When I say "yes" to working late, I'm saying "no" to having dinner with my family.
* When I say "yes" to going into work early, I'm saying "no" to a quiet time with God.
* When I say "yes" to a business trip, I'm saying "no" to my child's birthday party.

I'm not saying you should never do any of those things.  But the question isn't whether you are going to say "no".  The only question is who, or what, you're going to say "no" to.  That takes the issue out of the realm of obligation and makes it an issue of choice.

Now I have to ask myself - why am I doing this?  Is it really worth it?  What is motivating my choices?  If I don't do that, then my life will simply be choices dictated by circumstances and I'll always be operating with someone else's priorities and values.

Something to think about...