Growing in grace to say ‘NO’
Martha Olawale
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 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
There is more focus on the idea of ‘yes’ in Christendom than ‘no.’ Messages and books teach us to say yes to God and the needs in the Church without teaching us that to say yes to God’s call over your life and live fully in it, you have to say no to some things. Although all things seem right to jump into if they have a Church or God tag on them, it doesn’t mean they are not wrong for you.
Like many Christians, I’ve run into trouble trying to do many things simultaneously before asking God if I have grace for them. Instead of asking first, before saying yes, I say yes and then get burnt out. God knows my heart and understands my passion for the kingdom, but I have to stay in my lane so I don’t trip others running the kingdom race. He is a God of order and distributes gifts to reflect His grace over our lives and stepping outside that exposes us to the elements.
Saying no comes with the discomfort we attribute to failure, especially when it's to something good. However, saying yes to God means you have to say no to many things, even good things that are not within the confines of His call over you. The grace for His children to do anything comes from Him, not from our mortal minds or strength. Paul affirmed this in 2 Corinthians 12:9, saying, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
It's paramount that we all understand the role God wants us to play and where He wants us to serve Him. We must, however, do so conscious of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and release of grace. It might drain you if you don't check your grace meter before jumping on any wagon that can stop you from fulfilling God’s assigned purpose for your life. Finding your rhythm in each assignment God commits to your hands will help you progressively extend your role in the kingdom business.
