Just Say "No"

I really care about people, and I am willing to do whatever I can to help others. But since I am only one person, there is only so much that I can do. When the situation gets to the point that I don't have time to take care of the vital things, like praying and worship, that means it's time to say no.

Jesus was the greatest lover of people. But when He was healing people in Jerusalem, He could not be feeding them in Samaria. He had to set limits and prioritize. There were times when He helped people all day, and there were times when He got all to Himself and prayed.

It's the same way with us. It's good to help others, but when it starts to stress on us, its time to say no. A good example is providing transportation for your friends. When a person has a genuine need and God has given you the opportunity and resources to do so, you should help them. But when you do things because you fear losing a friend or making someone feel bad, I think you should back off and look at the circumstances. Since people are probably never going to stop asking you to do things, especially if you are easy going and freehearted, then you will just have to learn how to say "no".

God wants us to help others, but He doesn't want us so stressed out that we don't have time to study, pray or do our chores. Also, we need to be careful about becoming a people pleaser. I can tell you from experience that it is a miserable way to live, and it doesn't profit you in the long run.

Saying "no" may seem awkward at first, and it may make you feel bad. But it is wise and healthy to learn how to do it. To be honest, if you don't look out for your spiritual life and physical health, pretty soon you won't have anything to give to those who genuinely need you.