Charles Stanley - The Courage to Say No

Adam, Eve, Cain, Samson, David—what do these people have in common? They all had the opportunity to say no to sin and failed. Resisting temptation takes courage. Although it may be difficult, obeying God—and leaving the consequences to Him—is always the best option.

At some point in our lives, we all face fearful situations. But if we yield to what we know is wrong, our lives will be filled with entanglements and trouble. Therefore, we must consider the source of our desires, learn to discern the difference between good and evil, and have the courage to say no whenever something is contrary to God’s will and Word.

When Peter and John healed a lame man, the Jewish rulers were infuriated and commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But they courageously refused, saying, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

This is the kind of courage God desires for all of us— obedience to Him without fear of what others may think or do. Instead of being frail Christians who base our decisions on the present situation, let’s become followers of Christ who hold firmly to God’s standards of right and wrong.