No Is a Complete Sentence

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-23  The Message

I am one of those classic driven Type A personalities. I love my “work” and love to work. Maybe I am even addicted to work.

I grew up in a home were resting = weakness. You always had to be doing something. There was always something to do and constant service = I really the Lord and He really loves me.

Add to the mix that I have been a “people-pleaser” most of my life and now you really have a mixed-up-crazy-prideful-type a personality.”

The older I am getting I am finally beginning to learn some pretty valuable lessons.

Dr. Lynne Jahns, who directs our counseling center at America’s Keswick recently shared a staff enrichment chapel that “No” is a complete sentence. It does not require justification or explanation.

That was so freeing for me, brothers. I never thought I could give that as an answer. After all, what will people think of me? I don’t want to let people down. And yet, I can resonate with how Eugene Peterson paraphrased Matthew 11:28-30 – I am tired. I am worn out and that isn’t life as God has intended it to be.

The root of it all? PRIDE! And God hates pride. So I have confessed the sin of pride and I want to learn to walk with Him and work with Him, learning how to live “freely and lightly.”

My Pastor from Davisville Baptist, Ron Schmidt, used to ask me the question: “What did you say no to today?” I’m asking myself that question and trying to learn that “No” is a complete sentence. It doesn’t require justification or explanation.

How about you? What have you said “no” to today?

Going the distance with Jesus,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18-20

Think About This: Bad deeds are no hindrance, and good deeds no help, when you come to God for salvation. David Pawson

Verses to Memorize: Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11