Day 6: Schedule  

Every yes we say is an implicit no to something else. 

Yes to extra ice cream every day might eventually be no to fitting into our pants. Yes to the extra work project will be a no to date night with our spouse or dinner with our family or the long bike ride that our body and soul desperately need. We must treat our yes with care and purpose, lest we yes ourselves into the abyss. Without sometimes saying no, we are never really fully saying yes.

Jesus Wasn't a People-Pleaser

It’s also biblical. The greatest example we have of saying no is found in Jesus. God made flesh. The Savior of the world. Surely He was all things to all people and never said no, right? Wrong. Jesus practiced boundaries with love and strength like no one has before or since. He regularly said no to preaching, teaching, and healing anxious crowds so He could walk dusty paths up desert mountains to be alone with His Father. 

Jesus said no to thousands of people and requests and needs because He was clear on His mission. He knows who He is—God’s beloved Son. He knows why He came—to bring God’s kingdom. He kept His mission ever before Him.

This same Jesus invites us to understand who we are, Whose we are, and what our mission is.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. In general, is it easier for you to say yes or no? Why?
2. Courtney writes: “The greatest example we have of saying no is found in Jesus.… Jesus practiced boundaries with love and strength like no one has before or since. He regularly said no…” She attributes this ability to Jesus knowing who He was—the Son of God—and why He came—to bring God’s kingdom. How can clarity in who we are and what we’ve been called to do help us to say no?
3. Who are you? What have you been called to do in this season?
4. Read Matthew 11:28–30. In what ways do you feel weary today? What do you need to say no to in order to more fully accept God’s invitation of rest?
5. Do you think that “busyness is a choice”? In what areas of your life have you chosen to be busier than you need to be? How might you make a different choice in the future?
6. How can unstructured, relaxing activities like taking a walk help to reset our hearts and minds? When can you take a walk this week?