“Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.” Proverbs 7:24
Pay attention, because there are some people who want to help you, and some who want to hurt you. Especially, pay attention to those who seem to say the right things, but in their heart they have a hidden agenda. Everyone cannot be trusted, because not everyone is trustworthy. The sooner you discern a man or women’s motive, the quicker you will know how to manage your time. If in conversation it is all about them, then watch out for wrong behavior. Pay attention to the path people may want you to take, so you protect your reputation. Moreover, you have limited emotional capacity and mind share, so make sure the Lord is leading you to get involved. Even good people and compelling causes can lead you astray. Pay attention, and learn to say ‘no’, so you can say ‘yes’ to God’s best.
I struggle with saying ‘no’, because I want to please people. However, pleasing people is not the best motivation. Faith in my Heavenly Father is a much nobler goal. Learning to say ‘no’ is how we gain peace and contentment over the long haul. When you say ‘no’ to someone or something, you can trust your Savior Jesus to take care of the need, and to take care of you. Your ‘no’ opens the door for someone else to be blessed by their ‘yes’. In some cases saying ‘no’ requires more faith than saying ‘yes’. Therefore, pay attention and be prayerful, before you commit time and resources. Certainly as you encounter temptation, do not entertain the slightest hint of ‘yes’. It is better to say ‘no’ to his or her advances, and lose a friendship, than to say ‘yes’, and lose your good name and gain regret. Pay attention and say ‘no’ to earthly impulses, so you can say ‘yes’ to heaven’s best. The Bible says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 34:11; Mark 7:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14-15
Transformational Living
What area of my life do I need to pay more attention, and say ‘no’ more often?
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My thoughts!
So much easier to read than to do! Saying NO is something I'm currently working on and it's really difficult!
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