There’s Power in Saying “No”! Part Four
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6
For some people, their relationship with God is the most important thing in their lives. They would do anything to ensure their relationship with Him stays strong. For others, their relationship with God is not as important, and they are not as diligent in their pursuit of Him. When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven, he describes it as a feast where many are invited, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) In other words, not everyone who is called will receive eternal life. This is why it’s so important to say “NO!” to the things that pull us away from God.
In Matthew 25:1-13, the Bible talked about the ten virgins, but why were only five prepared and met with the bridegroom? It wasn’t because they were better than the others. They had said “NO!” to the things that pulled them away from God. Brethren, is anything pulling you away from God’s presence or ordained plan? Because you are pulled away from God by the things you allow consuming your time and attention. You are pulled away by the things you allow to distract you from what is truly important. You are pulled away by the things you allow to keep you from pursuing your destiny.
Colossians 3:1 says, “You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules on God’s right side.”
We are to focus on what is God-centered, not man-centered. Many things can pull us away from God. The most common are the things that appeal to our flesh. These are the things that are contrary to the things that God desires for us. The Bible tells us that “the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing what you want.” (Galatians 5:17)
God desires us to be holy, but our flesh desires want us unholy. God desires for us to be righteous, but the desires of our flesh want us to be unrighteous. God desires for us to be one with Him, but the desires of our flesh want us to be separate from Him. The best way to combat the pull of the flesh is to build boundaries that matter for your destiny. These boundaries should exclude things contrary to what God desires for you. They should be based on what God chooses to pursue your destiny, not the desires of your flesh. Therefore, say NO to SIN. Amen. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Prayer:
Oh God, my sufficient grace for uncommon advancement rests upon my family and me so that we will not give room to flesh in the name of Jesus. Amen.
