The Art of Saying No

There's a ton of bad things that are very deceptive in appearance and many situations that seem easier to go with the worse than it is to follow the better course. If a young man doesn't master the art of saying no because of his fear of God, there is much ruin that shall come his way. Ones own ideas and judgment of self is like a ship set sail without compass or rudder. It's very inadequate for one to try and regulate their own life under their own power. Having a nice watch in our pocket is of no effect if never looked upon, and if never set with the correct time, it becomes a nice conversation piece at best. Many are living with a warped conscience, they have bribed themselves into the captains chair of life, into the ship-masters headquarters. There is only one guide, one road map that is capable of impacting the wide diversities of character, age, circumstances, and cultural barriers. There is only one standard of perfection that is an all-sufficient pattern for every life. This guide, this standard, this pattern of life, is the Word of God. When's the last time you sat down at the end of the day and measured your thoughts and actions by the standard of Gods Word? I encourage you this morning, take your life and place it along side of the Great Life of Gods Son within Gods Word. This is the only place you will ever find the standard by which to pattern your lives; "according to Thy Word." The art of saying no to the broad roads, says yes to the narrow. The art of saying no to self pleasure, is saying yes to self-denial. The art of saying no is developed from Gods Word, it creates a single minded pursuit of One, it banks Gods Word in the vault of the heart not the brain. "How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, GOD; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. (‭Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭9-16‬ MSG)" How shall the young, old, or somewhere in between live a pure life? Seriously take heed to Gods Word, it's the only way! Develop the person God created and that person will accomplish great things.