For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
Most people struggle with saying "no." There are many reasons for this: a desire to please, fear of conflict, social/cultural conditioning, fear of missing out (FOMO), and, my favorite, guilt. The setting may also be a factor. For example, it may be easier to say "no" in a professional setting but struggle in their personal lives. If our grandkids ask us for anything, which they rarely do, Janice and I find it extremely difficult to say "no" when we look at their adorable little faces.
Not everything we find hard to say "no" to is harmful. There may even be the occasional time when we didn't say "no," and it turns out to be a good and pleasant experience. When we don't say "no" to the grandkids, it is usually a fun time–-like going into a bouncy house, something I'm not prone to do without coercion.
However, today's passage teaches us that God's grace empowers us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions that harm our souls. God's grace is a powerful teacher, guiding us to recognize and resist behaviors and desires that lead us away from Him. Thanks to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He helps us set healthy boundaries and enables us to live righteous and holy lives. By relying on God's grace, we can overcome the challenges of saying "no," even when it feels difficult. Embracing God's grace helps us live in a way that honors Him, reflecting His love and righteousness in our professional and personal lives.
Let us seek God's guidance and strength as we strive to honor Him in all we do, knowing His grace is sufficient for us.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions. Help us to rely on Your strength to set healthy boundaries and live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. Guide us in our daily decisions, and grant us the wisdom to honor You in all we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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