If I Say Yes, What Am I Saying No To?

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Luke 14:28 NIV

“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” Josh Billings

If I say yes to driving drunk, what am I saying no to?

If I say yes to overeating, what am I saying no to?

If I’m pleasing others, what am I saying no to?

If I choose to get even, what am I saying no to?

If I fly off the handle, what am I saying no to?

If I say yes to God, what am I saying no to?

If I’m controlling another, what am I saying no to?

All of life really is a choice. We choose to be married and say no to others who may tempt us. We decide to have children and say no to our time and finances.  We choose to get help, or we flounder, suffer, and hurt others. We choose what we will be like every day, contribute, love, and lift up.

There are many choices between our birthdate and our death date recorded on a cold stone, in an obituary, or on an urn. God gives us these choices and our consequences. When we say yes, we’re always saying no to something. We do it daily. There is no insignificance in our lives.

Musings

Most of life is simple: showing up, being consistent, and thinking of others. Are we living out of fear or love? If we say yes to fear, here comes anxiety, manipulation, aggression, isolation and more. God has reassured us many times not to be afraid. He is here—always. If we say yes in partnership with Christ, we become more like him and live in and with love. We participate in his divine nature.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for saying yes to us before the foundation of the world. We say yes to you in thankfulness and awe. May we say yes with our actions, words, and resources in your peace and love.

Amen.