You have my permission to say "no."

          “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32 NASB)

I love the word "no," and I avoid using the word "busy."  In several conversations recently, people have talked about how much they have going on. Their lives are full; their plates are full.* They seem so busy. Someone else invariably has an idea, activity, or event that you are the perfect candidate for!  But saying "yes" to one thing means saying "no" to other things, whether we are aware of it or not.  What can I do to help others build margin and live out their priorities? 

I want God and His Word to set my priorities, and not cave to a sense of obligation.  Do we say "yes" to things because we sense the leading of God, or do we overcommit out of obligation?  I have recently been encouraging friends to think through their priorities and activities.  In the busyness of our day, is there a commitment to put Christ and His Word first?  And as for the relationships we really care about, unless we carve out time in our packed schedules for them, there is a danger of those being neglected. Most people need to know that they have the permission, even the encouragement, to say "no."  I love to encourage people to say "no." (graciously, of course)

Please pray with us, and for us, as we seek to encourage people to make time with God a priority, especially as we approach the holiday season, and to protect and invest in the key relationships with which He has entrusted us.

Thanks!

 *P.S.  I don't mind having room on my plate. It gives me flexibility and margin to respond to unexpected opportunities or needs. One of the shortest Bible studies I ever did was "How Jesus handled interruptions."  :-)