A Better Yes

We live in a “yes” world. We want what we want, and we want it now! Living in a culture so accustomed to saying yes to ourselves, it is hard to think of denying any of our wants and desires. But sometimes, when saying no, we open ourselves to the opportunity of an even better yes.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus explains to His disciples how saying no to themselves leads to a better way of following Him. He says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” The lesson for His disciples is that by saying no to themselves, they are free to say yes to Him. By denying themselves, they live lives of fellowship with God and followship of Him, too.

A pastor once said, “Every day, you should say no to yourself at least three times.” What is it in your life to which you could say no so you can say yes to something even greater? Often, in our daily walk with the Lord, He calls us to drop certain attitudes and actions to make room for growth in our relationship with Him. Is there something God has asked you to deny in your life that could bring you closer in your walk with Him? Other times, God prompts our hearts to pick up new habits as we pick up our cross each day. Is God asking you to pick up something new in your life? Whether it is adding or subtracting something from our lives, following the Holy Spirit’s prompting will always lead to a closer walk with God.

Let’s ask ourselves what three things do we need to say no to today? Let’s be willing to hold loosely to the things of this world so we can grasp tightly to the things of God.

Reflect & Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, show me the things in my life to which I need to say no and help me see the things to say yes to more clearly. I want to follow You more closely. Right now, I confess that I am laying down my way to be available to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.