When Your Yes Means No

When you say yes to some things, you are actually saying no to others. For instance, if you were to say yes to instant gratification, you could feasibly be saying no to something in your future. This principle is not exactly new, but it does cross many facets of life. Time is another example: when you say yes to spending time over there, you’re saying no to spending it here. This principle does have some advantages if you are mindful with it. So, let’s examine a couple of ways this could be used. Bear in mind, there are many ways, but this may be a good place to start.
   In the previous two examples, we find how it applies to stewardship. For every expenditure you make, whether it’s time or resources, there will be expenditures elsewhere you will not be able to fulfill. This is especially true for time, because it is not a renewable resource. Of course, there is a small percentage of people on whom this has a lesser affect in terms of finance. As a whole, it pays to consider your goals and objectives before making those expenditures. Obviously, God owns it all and has no such restraints. Since we are His, and all we possess belongs to Him, it may be a good idea to ask Him what He thinks about how we spend. In relation to the first example, remember, the so called small or insignificant purchases can whittle away your reserves for the future. Even if you’re just a dollar short of obtaining something, you’re still short and you won’t be able to possess it. One plus one may only be two, but keep adding those ones over time, and they will add up to hundreds, maybe even thousands. Similarly, putting little sums of money away over time adds up.  What you do or fail to do today, affects your future. Think to what you’re saying no, before  you say yes. Again, pray for wisdom.
   James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.   
   The yes means no principle works well for keeping the right focus. If you say yes to righteousness, you’re saying no to evil and wickedness. By saying yes to forgiveness, you’re saying no to bitterness, wrath and anger. By saying yes to love, you’re saying no hatred. Instead avoiding the negative (thou shalt not), focus on the positive (do what’s right). By chasing after the things of God, you will automatically avoid evil; especially since it will not be a consideration. By focusing on excellence, you gravitate toward success versus failure. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never make a mistake, but even mistakes become steps toward the right direction, if you learn from them. If you’re constantly trying to avoid the things of the flesh, you will be flesh-minded. Try this on for size: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).  
   Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 

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