I remember some years back there was an anti drug campaign targeted towards teenagers and the tag line for the campaign was “Just say NO to drugs.” It sounded so simple that it hardly seemed effective in curbing the use of illegal drugs among teens. But believe it or not, the advice is Biblical!
In writing to Titus, his “true son in the common faith,” the Apostle Paul gave him the same advice. In fact, Paul tells us it is the grace of God that teaches us to just say “NO.” Titus 2:11-12 states “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
It would be nice, if after we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, if we never again encountered temptations to do evil. But the reality is, that is not the case. After accepting Christ our basic nature changes from one that desires to fulfill “worldly passions” to one that is “eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14) But we still must train ourselves to say “NO” to the ungodliness and worldly passions that will tempt us in our journey with Christ. Jesus himself had to tell Satan “Away from me” when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). In essence Jesus was just saying “NO” to the ungodly and worldly passions that Satan was bringing to Him.
It is time for us to allow the grace of God to teach to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions. What is God asking you to just say “NO” to? What “good” things are you eager to do?
The next time you are tempted to do what you know in your spirit is wrong, remember Paul’s advice to his younger protege, Titus, and just say “NO!”
— Keith
