"The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 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
Do you have a problem saying "No?"
You're not alone. Many of us do. But saying "Yes" too often leaves us spread thin and running on empty.
Have you ever considered the spiritual discipline of saying "No?"
Resisting the pull of temptation is even more challenging than resisting the pull toward over-commitment.
The good news is that God's grace equips us with the capacity to say "No" when it matters most.
God's grace, His unmerited favor in Christ, should have a direct impact on our daily choices and behavior. Grace is meant to teach us, not just amaze us. In other words, grace should instruct us on how to live. We are to receive a moment-by-moment education from the life-changing power of grace.
Perhaps nothing is a greater testimony to the reality of grace than resisting temptation and trying to live differently than our surrounding culture. Countless temptations assail us, both internally and externally, especially in today's world.
Let's be honest. It's one thing to know that a specific behavior is wrong. It's far more challenging to say "No" to that behavior and walk away.
Yet, every temptation we face presents us with this choice:
Will we say, "No" to Jesus and "Yes" to worldly passions?
-OR-
Will we say, "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to worldly passions?
This scenario plays out numerous times a day in all kinds of practical situations. But every time we face temptation, it's an opportunity for us to demonstrate just how much His grace has changed our lives. It's a chance for us to show what grace has taught us.
Of course, this is easier said than done.
However, it's important to note that the fight against temptation is not won by sheer willpower. Otherwise, we're as doomed to fail as a dieter trying to resist the chocolate cake on the kitchen counter.
First and foremost, saying "No" is a response to grace. This is why Paul reminds us that in Jesus, "grace appeared" (v.11). Jesus is the embodiment of grace. If our only response to His grace is a nonchalant, "Thank you," perhaps we don't really understand what we've received. We are the recipients of a grace so unbelievably astonishing that it should motivate us to surrender everything to Him.
Moreover, the same grace that saves us also enables us to say "No" by gradually transforming our desires to be more aligned with His.
If you have a problem saying, "No" (and I imagine you do), why not spend a few moments having an honest conversation with Jesus?
Then, resolve to walk in humble obedience by saying "Yes" to Him and "No" to temptation.
Quote from: misfire on March 31, 2025, 07:32:40 AMMoreover, the same grace that saves us also enables us to say "No" by gradually transforming our desires to be more aligned with His.
This is the goal. I love this point. It's one thing to have the discipline to say no, but another thing to WANT to say no.
Thank you for this word, brother. It is EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning. Bless you!