Just Say No! #1

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (Prov.1:10 (NKJV)

"Just don't say no!" These are the famous words of First Lady Nancy Reagan regarding the drugs that were plaguing the country. These words were used in commercials; they were plastered on posters, in schools and recreation centers, and they were quoted over and over to kids by teachers and different guest speakers in various assemblies. But this day I don't utter these words in regard to drugs only. Today I utter them in regards to all sin and in regards to those who would try to tempt, encourage, or sway us to sin.

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Sinners: a criminal, one accounted guilty: -offender. Used to describe those who, by their actions, are under the wrath or judgment of God and face ultimate destruction. The influence of these people is to be avoided.

What the word sinners is describing is unbelievers. And how many of us have unbelieving friends or associates who, at one point or another, have tried to get us to indulge in something that is sinful? I do. And who is going to be honest and say that there have been times that these friends or associates have succeeded? I am. And if you are too then this post is for you. It's for me, and it's for anyone who is like us. This post is to encourage us to just say no, which I know popular belief and life experience would tell most of us s easier said than done. The Bible would tell us something different though.

The Bible would tell us that God gave us his Holy Spirit for just such occasions. And he did. One of the many reasons that God sent us his Spirit was to supply us with the strength we once lacked. A strength that is able to stand firm and resist the influence of those who don't fear, revere or love the Lord the way we do. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to just say no. See,, the just say no that Mrs. Reagan uttered didn't have any power behind it. How could it when it was predicated upon the strength of man which is actually weak.

The just say no we are talking about today is supported by the strength of an All Powerful God who infuses us with his strength through his Holy Spirit who lives in us. If you didn't know it, then today realize that the power dwelling in you is able to enable you to resist any and every temptation anyone can throw at you. Do not be swayed by the unbelieving person, regardless of relationship, to do something that is against the word of God and out of accord with God's will for our lives.

Just say no! This is one of the many abilities given to us by our God so utilize it. When that unbelieving person, with whom you are close and with whom you have a relationship, tries to lead you into sin, use the strength provided by your God. Do not consent with that person or persons but rather give glory to your God by submitting to the rule of the Holy Spirit over your life and the strength he provides. Refrain from the sin you're being enticed with and allow your witness and testimony to be strong. Just say no! It's what God wants.