As a leader it is easy for us to over commitment ourselves to things. Jesus shares a parable about two sons that emphasises saying no.
Matt 21:28-31
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
1. It is better to Under Promise and Over Deliver, than to Over Promise and Under Deliver. When we over promise and under deliver it creates disappointment because it creates a high expectation that goes unfulfilled. When we under promise and over deliver it creates an unexpected surprise.
2. It is better to say no and then do it, than to say yes and not do it.
One of the hardest words for people to say is one of the shortest words ever spoken, "No!" This word will help you to keep balance in your life and margin in your days. Jill Savage, wrote on a Michael Hyatt's blog "Five Strategies that Make it Easier to Say No." I thought I would restate her points here.
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
1. It is better to Under Promise and Over Deliver, than to Over Promise and Under Deliver. When we over promise and under deliver it creates disappointment because it creates a high expectation that goes unfulfilled. When we under promise and over deliver it creates an unexpected surprise.
2. It is better to say no and then do it, than to say yes and not do it.
One of the hardest words for people to say is one of the shortest words ever spoken, "No!" This word will help you to keep balance in your life and margin in your days. Jill Savage, wrote on a Michael Hyatt's blog "Five Strategies that Make it Easier to Say No." I thought I would restate her points here.
- Never say yes on the spot. Think about it for twenty-four hours
- Don't feel like you need to give a long list of excuses. No further explanation is needed.
- Commit to no more than one major and one minor volunteer responsibility at a time. A major responsibility will take weekly preparation and more substantial time commitment. An example would be teaching a Sunday School class or coaching your child's team. A minor responsibility will involve little time commitment and preparation such as working in the church nursery once a month or supplying snacks for your child's team a couple of times.
- Keep in mind you don't have to say yes because you are capable. Ask this question if you are capable, "I'm capable, but am I called?" Does God want me to do this?
- Hit the delete button when guilt sneaks in.
When we say no, we in a sense are saying yes to something else. We need to be more comfortable saying no. How about you? How hard is it for you to say no?
