The Power of NO

Saying NO to something, a request, a want, a craving, is empowering. When I say YES I give power to that something but when I opt for NO I take ownership of over that which is trying to persuade, influence or control me.

I am thinking specifically of things that are a temptations, perhaps good, perhaps worthy of my attention, yet distracting nonetheless.

It could be a project - something ministry-related. It could be a direction for the future - a possibility. Yet today it's a granola bar.

I'm sitting at the computer, surfing blogs and news sites and thinking, pondering the box of sweet and salty granola bars in the cupboard.

I want one.

But I had breakfast 2 hours ago and my body doesn't need one.

But I want one.

And the fact that I shouldn't have one, don't need one, builds the desire to have one even more.

When I say NO to this craving for something I don't need or shouldn't have I am putting my strength and new-person in control. I am not letting the old Barb dictate a continuance of bad habits.

When I say NO I am freeing myself, unshackling myself from the ways of gluttony, slothfulness and self-pity.

When I say NO I take hold of that which was given to me in Christ, to be the person He created me to be, stronger than sin, conqueror, victor.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:3-5)

So in saying NO to sin I am saying YES to God. I am saying I prefer you re-making me as You have designed me. I am saying I don't want to live in MY perceived freedom, believing that I have the wisdom to lead and rule my life.

I am saying NO to my wisdom, which is foolishness and YES to His wisdom which is foolishness to this world.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.(1 Corinthians 1:18)