Just Say No

In elementary and middle school we were taught to "Just Say No". If someone approaches you regarding drugs you simply just say, "No". I was so confident, once I was armed with the knowledge of what to do in that situation. I was ready to say no to even a baby aspirin! I walked around with my imaginary cape on and my imaginary shield held high bearing the slogan 'Just Say No!' It was well over 10 years before I was approached by anyone about drugs! However, even though my cape and shield were tucked away in a closet of my mind, I was still able to say no.

In our Christian walk, saying no usually refers to sinful behavior. Yes, of course we should be saying no to sinful behavior. However, there may be another area needed a few no's. Ministry. You read right, ministry. Are you serving somewhere that God has not called you to serve? Are you a part of a certain ministry just because you can't say no? God's word has something to say about this.

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." Romans 12:4-8 NLT

Pray about the ministries and areas in which you serve. Be sure God has called you to serve there and in that capacity. Pray for His will and edification of His kingdom. If we are serving in a ministry we are not called to, we could possibly be prohibiting the person He has called, from being able to serve there. Moreover, if you are serving in too many places, you can be stretched really thin and not be effective or worse, they all suffer. Keep in mind that caring for your family is a ministry.

"You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." - 2 Cor 9:7 NLT

Challenge: Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 12.