WHEN TO SAY "NO!”
Scripture Reading: Genesis 14:1-24
Now the King of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich' - Genesis 14:21-23
In Homer's classic, The Odyssey, a ten-year war between the Greeks Land Trojans was settled in a highly unusual way. A giant wooden horse was built by the Greeks who abandoned it on the shores of Troy and sailed away. The unsuspecting Trojans pulled this 'gift right into their city without checking. Unbeknown to them, the horse, which was hollow, had 30-40 elite Greek soldiers hiding inside it. At night, the Greek soldiers climbed out, set the city ablaze and, together with their colleagues who returned at the sight of the fire, totally destroyed Troy and won the war.
Not every open door is an opportunity. Not every 'gift' or 'offer' is a blessing. Abraham had just defeated four kings who had earlier overcome the King of Sodom and his allies and taken their goods and hostages including Lot. When Abraham returned, the king of Sodom offered what seemed like a fair compensation: “Take the goods and give me my men". But Abraham turned down the offer and gave a reason which is noteworthy - “Lest anyone take credit for the financial prosperity God is giving me”.
Many of us are unable to muster the courage to say 'no' when we should. We often compromise and make complicated commitments that come back to haunt us. Don't jump at every offer simply because it sounds logical or for fear of what others might say. Act solely on your convictions and God's word.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to every unseen trap that will seek to compromise my blessings in Christ.
