Not too long ago, I purchased a little gadget from Staples that simply said, “Just Say No.”  When you press the button, you hear, “no, no, no.” I believe there are times in all of our lives when we must say no. I also remember a slogan for our youth regarding “Just Say No to Drugs.” There are many things we need to say no to. Unfortunately, we do not say no, but instead say yes, giving way to the flesh. However, the Spirit of God will direct us when it is time to say no. As believers, we cannot afford to eliminate the word “no” from our lives. Oh, to be able to say yes to God and no to the world. Galatians 1:10 is our scriptural reference today:

 “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Paul speaks about trying to win the favor of people, as opposed to God. He was aware that there were many pulls on his life. He clearly states that he is not trying to please people, but always seeking to please God. He was harshly criticized yet, did not waver in his faith or commitment. In his preaching, he always warned people pleasers, knowing that you cannot please God and man at the same time. Some things you need to say no to. He said no to the flesh and yes to God. I pray that you have learned to say no to trying to please people, and yes to pleasing God