Awww Grow Up! - Saying Yes to No

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, March 20, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Don Allen


Scripture Reference:  Ephesians 4:17-24


So can you pass the marshmallow test?  You may remember this experiment from yesterday’s message. What would you do if someone placed you in a quiet room for 15 minutes with a marshmallow on the plate (or for those who share my temptations, a Bavarian Chocolate Kreme from Dunkin Donuts)? If you could do it for 15 minutes, you would be rewarded with a second helping. Could you do it?

Yesterday’s message from Ephesians 4:17-24 focused on a major tension in our journey from childhood faith to adult faith. That’s right; I’m talking about self-control. You can also call it delayed gratification. Saying ‘no’ to something we want. Or even giving to others, even if you have to do without something.

Without self-control, we find it hard to manage our time. Keep our jobs. Keep a promise. Stay married. Or single.

Or growing in Christ. So it is no surprise that one of the fruit (results) of the Holy Spirit’s work in you is self-control (see Galatians 5:22-25).

Which is why I hope you will join me in a quest to grow in Christ by saying Yes to No.
I want to get better at saying no. I think you do, too. So let’s encourage one another.

Think for a moment about an obstacle you face in your walk toward maturity in Christ. It’s obvious to you: you know you should say No.

This guilty pleasure may be that trashy TV show. Or whatever keeps you from walking or jogging. Or losing your temper. Or eating that donut. Or  [enter your self-control battle here].

Now find someone, a buddy, and challenge him or her to join you in the “Say Yes To No” effort. Invite your friend to try saying no to just one thing this week. Promise to pray for each other twice a day. Decide to touch bases by phone every other day, just for a couple of minutes: “Did you say No today? Good! Keep it up!”

If you fall down, get up and try again. Keep going until you can so No for seven days straight.
By the way, some church traditions have entered Lent season. That’s a season in which a person gives up something for Christ. So it’s a good time to Say Yes to No.
Let us know how it goes. I’m pulling for you!