Learning to say "No"

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age... -Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

How does the grace of God teach us to say "No" to ungodliness? Because I can safely say that after 57 years on the planet and 45 years of calling myself a Christian, I still find myself tempted by worldly passions. Thankfully, I find most of these temptations much less compelling than I once did. So when I came across this verse in my reading this week, which I had underlined years ago as a prayer, when saying no was much more difficult for me, I took a few minutes to reflect on what grace has taught me. I boiled it down to four steps that continue to help me a lot: Recognize, Remember, Resolve, and Reset.

Recognize: I have to understand I am engaged in spiritual warfare. I need to be watching for enemy traps. He knows my history and my weaknesses. But guess what? I do too. So I have gotten much more adept at identifying situations that will leave me vulnerable.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Remember: Once I recognize what's going on, I must bring to mind the price that was paid for my redemption. This is the cornerstone of the grace that is teaching me. Knowing what Christ went through to secure my salvation, it makes no sense to turn to a cheap substitute for some quick-fix relief from my immediate circumstance or desire.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

Resolve: Upon remembering, I make a decision to fulfill the commitment I have made and be the man I was created to be. I am better than the sin I am being tempted to commit. Not because of my own goodness or power, but because I have the Spirit of Christ living inside me, patiently transforming me into His image.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7 (ESV)

Reset: Resolved to turn away from the temptation, I have to "get my mind right". Otherwise, I find the devil somewhat like a fly that keeps coming back after being shoo'ed away. I have to turn my attention to higher things.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. -Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

I confess I do not always follow through with all four steps - I've been a slow learner. But grace is a patient teacher. I still stumble sometimes, but I don't fall nearly as often as I once did. Practice the steps. If they help you, pass them on.