“No”

Leroy Brownlow remembered a magazine article in which the editor asked a small number of writers to answer the following two questions: 

·         In your judgment, what word is the most misused?
·         What word in the English language seems the most useful to you? 

Nearly all agreed that the most misused word is “yes,” and the most useful word in the English language is “no.” No one ever amounts to very much without saying “no.”

Because they couldn’t say no…

·         Many have given up commitments to their families, churches, or other worthy pursuits for “greener pastures” that in the end failed to deliver on their promises.
·         Young people have lost their purity when tempted by the fleeting pleasures of sin.
·         Experienced Christians have destroyed reputations that have taken years to build.
·         People pleasers have overcommitted to the detriment of their peace and happiness.
·         Leaders have turned over their authority to a vocal minority who do not have the best interests of the group in mind.

“No” is a small but very powerful word. It is small, but it is one of the most difficult words in the English language to say.

Jesus knew how and when to say “no” (Matthew 4:1 – 11).

·         Because he prepared for temptation through prayer and meditation.
·         Because he knew the word of God and answered every temptation with “it is written.”
·         Because he had chosen his Master and would not trade him for cheap glories.

We must learn to say this little word. Remember, every time you say “no” to someone, you say “yes” to someone else. If you say “no” to the Lord, you say “yes” to Satan and his dark forces. But if you say “no” to evil, you say “yes” to God!

Drew Kizer