Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”   

A leader must be strong and courageous to say “no” in many circumstances and decisions which impact his personal life and all those whom he leads. We often think of “no” as being negative, but it has a positive outcome when we say “no” to those things that we should not embrace. It is never easy to say “no” to a spouse, child or employee and takes real courage at times. It may take a lot of courage and strength of character as you have to make the decision. Ask God and search His Word on what you should do. Many times, you already know what to do because of your walk with Him and that is the best source of strength and courage. It then becomes a matter of obedience.

Several years ago, LifeWay conducted a survey asking thousands of families to name the greatest threats to their families. The number one issue was our “Anti-Christian Culture” and the third one was “Busyness.” As a leader, we must be strong and courageous to often say “no” to some of the temptations and even opportunities posed by these two issues. As a Christian husband and father, you will have to say “no” to so many Anti-Christian movements in our culture today. Don’t give in and compromise as that is exactly what the enemy wants you to do and to be sympathetic; just another deception. The home, family and even our workplace are being threatened as never before and leaders have to say “no” to the culture and “yes” to God. We live in a fast paced and busy world with so many activities and opportunities that we can actually “busy God right out of our lives.” As a leader, you will have to learn the word “no” to keep a realistic schedule and to prevent overload and overcommitment. We need rest, relaxation and time with God and family in our schedule. It takes strength and courage and God will be with us wherever we go. “Yes” sometimes “No” is the best answer!!!!