When Is It Appropriate to Say "No" to Someone?

Have you ever said “yes” to someone but would have preferred to say “no”? I realize there are individuals who take delight in responding negatively to whatever is asked of them. God created us, however, with the desire to please others, but can this need be inappropriate?

Trying to please to the point of losing the respect of others can be detrimental to relationships

Yet, saying “no” is not a license for acting arrogant or refusing to show respect for the feelings, needs, and thoughts of others.

It’s important to be alert to when it’s appropriate to say “no.” Keep in mind, God does not always respond with a resounding “yes” to each of your prayers. Remember, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Believe God’s word.

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Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy….ready for every good work.

~2 Timothy 2:21 English Standard Version

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Can a Person Be Nice but Be Unhappy?

Is it possible to be nice but unhappy? The answer depends on what you expect from others. Someone relayed how a friend never returned favors or offered help when it was needed. Is there a point where being nice involves acting irresponsibly?

Most people believe if they’re nice, a positive return will be forthcoming and if not, then acts of generosity will be discontinued. However resisting the impulse to be nice may consequently cause guilt, shame, and sadness to surface.

But are you being unkind or sinful by refusing to be nice to someone who sees it as a weakness? Are there times when saying “no” is appropriate? The Good News Bible in Ephesians 4:29 advises you “not to use harmful words but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” 

Do your best to be compassionate, and imitate the Lord God.                       

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People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

~Proverbs 16:2 New Living Translation

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How Do Parents Gain the Respect of Their Children?

It is within human nature to try to please others by being nice. However parents can’t always be nice if appropriate discipline and boundaries are used to teach children how to live in a family and society. Refusing to enforce rules and boundaries goes against God’s guidelines for parenting.

Making every effort to please is an attempt to avoid feeling guilty. Unreal or pseudo guilt is triggered by the failure to please everyone. At this juncture ask, “Is it better to be loved and accepted at this moment or to be respected?”

Most parents know children will not always like them, maybe even hate them.

Children who respect their parents go out into the world with a greater chance for success than those who have been pampered and coddled. Let this appeal be yours from Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your way, O Lord. Teach and guide me in your truths, for you are my God and my hope.”

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

~Isaiah 55:8-9 New International Version

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Can False Guilt Seem Real and Powerful?

Exceptionally nice people may have problems saying “no” to others even when it’s appropriate to do so. Conversely, a father of two explained that he says “yes” to his children as often as possible, but when he says “no,” that’s exactly what he means.

An issue with many people is feeling guilty for saying “no” because they believe they’ve violated the rule to be nice. Some children and adults are experts at creating feelings of guilt in others. Saying “no,” feeling guilt, then giving in, defines a vicious circle.

Guilt implies sin has taken place, and now punishment will surely follow – which creates fear and anxiety. Ask yourself, “What legitimate sin have I committed?” Clearly evaluate the answer. The purpose of “Christ in you” is to convict for sin which leads to repentance and forgiveness. False guilt is different, and “Christ in you” will show you the difference. Are you thankful for God’s faithfulness?  

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Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection.

~Romans 12:9-10 New Living Translation

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Is It More Important to Be Nice or Be Honest?

While most people try to be nice or give the appearance of being nice, others deliberately do their best to be disagreeable, unpleasant, and unkind. These individuals might say they're just being honest about how they feel and had rather be truthful than dishonest.

I realize sharing feelings and thoughts requires trusting others to care enough to be empathetic rather than immediately start giving advice and solutions. Some folks believe it’s more important to conceal the truth about how they honestly feel and what they think.

It’s important to remember that almost everyone will send clues when emotional overload takes place even though they are desperately trying to take in everything that’s being conveyed. Realizing the truth, acknowledging and accepting the truth is indeed freeing. As Jesus promised, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Have you expressed sincere thanksgiving to God for this blessing?

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But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy, for I am holy.”

~1 Peter 1:15-16 New Living Translation

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What Word Best Defines Your Character?

Have you noticed how words and language tend to change with each generation? Today the word "cool" could identify a person or just about anything. Cool could refer to someone being nice or acceptable.

Like all words used to communicate, “nice” may refer to a person’s character or values, but it is possible to be fooled. I’ve heard parents explain how they mistakenly believed a friend of their son or daughter was a nice person only to find out too late the truth.

Being honest in all situations should be the objective of every believer in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:15 implores us to speak the truth in love – love for Jesus Christ, love for God’s Word, and love for people. 

This is the ultimate incentive for speaking the truth. This attitude demonstrates character that reflects kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Be thankful that the love of Christ Jesus abides in you.                            

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord God forgave you. And over these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

~Colossians 3:12-14 New International Version

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When Is It Most Difficult for You to Be Nice?

Is there a time to be nice and a time to be firm? Nice implies a courteous and helpful attitude, but is it possible to act nice while feeling angry and frustrated internally? If being nice is your only option, what may not get expressed is honesty.

In some people’s opinion, being nice conveys reluctance to be absolutely honest. In truth, it is not always appropriate to verbalize everything you think or feel. Saying something unkind or deliberately hurtful is seldom, if ever, forgotten.

There is a time to say what you think and a time to remain silent. We often equate being nice with kindness, but is it possible to be kind while disagreeing on issues or a situation? Listen to 1 Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” It is possible to be loving and kind when the Holy Spirit is your guide.  

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My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

~James 1:19 New International Version

 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but those who are cruel bring ruin on themselves.

~Proverbs 11:17 New International Version

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Which of Your Character Traits Help You Be Nice?

Being nice is an admired attribute. So what does it mean to be nice? Parents teach their children early on to be courteous, kind, and gracious. Like the word meek from Matthew 5:3, nice has been tainted by many negative connotations.

Several decades ago a new executive was elected to direct the General Electric Corporation. Thousands of employees were laid off immediately in an effort to save the company. This man was not considered meek or nice, but courageous.

Being nice does not imply lacking in character to stand up for what is morally right. Jesus modeled this for us when he stood against spiritual and social corruptness. 

This is your choice when you stand up for what is respectable and decent, even if it means a disruption of your personal peace. Jesus said, “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives but as I give to you.” It’s your choice, which you are invited to accept.

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The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

~Ecclesiastes 7:8 New International Version

 Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if any anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive. 

~Colossians 3:13 International Standard Version

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Can Your Behavior Patterns Be Changed?

Is it possible to be too nice by accepting other people’s negative attitudes and behaviors? Vicious circles begin by yielding to self-imposed needs to always be nice and accepting. Feelings of guilt and shame may follow when a person yields to being inappropriately nice.

Vicious circles can be problematic, not only for relationships but for a person’s integrity and self-esteem. 

Those within a vicious circle may lose self-respect by refusing to share what they think and feel just to avoid having conflict and being rejected.

Can these patterns of behavior be changed? The answer is "Yes", but it may be difficult where conflict avoidance is part of the vicious circle. However, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Energy for change comes from believing God is a constant source of hope and power. Psalm 18 declares, “I love you, O Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, and my Savior.” Allow this to be your testimony and faith.

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Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.

~Galatians 6:10 New Living Translation

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Is It Too Costly to Stand for Your True Beliefs?

The majority of people want to be accepted by those within their preferred social groups. Most people know what it takes to draw people rather than repel them. In our culture the word nice defines a generous, helpful person who tries to avoid conflict.

Is it conceivable to be too nice and fall into a vicious circle trying to please everyone by agreeing with issues that are contrary to your personal values and beliefs? All too often being nice is more important than taking a stand for what is morally and biblically correct.

There were individuals who spoke harshly against Jesus because he did not always do what was considered nice. He touched people with  leprosy and socialized with tax collectors. He showed compassion toward a woman prostitute and challenged those who pretended to be above sin. Ask yourself, “How would Jesus respond if he were facing my current issues?” Take time to listen for a response. 

           

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Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

~James 4:17 New American Standard Bible

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Can You Fulfill Your Need for Identity and Belonging?

Some years ago a popular song professed, “You can’t always get what you want…, but you might get what you need.” Vicious circles, or cycles, pivot on hungering and thirsting for what will satisfy your heart’s desire. Vicious circles also attempt to appease your need for belonging.

This type of hungering and thirsting may be costly – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Proverbs 6:27-28 asks, “Can a man scoop fire onto his lap without burning his clothes? Can he walk on hot coals without damaging his feet?”

It’s impossible to engage in vicious circles and avoid negative consequences. Finding ways to satisfy your need for identity and belonging may demand altering your ambitions. Listen to Jesus from John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. Those who come to me will never go hungry, and those who believe in me will never thirst.” Jesus answers our need for purpose and belonging. Have you responded to his invitation?  

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You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, and my body longs for you, [as if] in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

~Psalm 63:1 New International Version 

[Jesus promised,] “The water I give will become [like] a flowing fountain that gives eternal life.”

~John 4:14 Contemporary English Version

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Is It Possible for Your Attitude to Change?

If you had three wishes, what would be first on your list? Life often evolves around wishes that may or may not have some potential for reality. An elderly woman revealed her experience of being deeply in love as a young woman with a young man who did not share her hopes and dreams.

She later married and had children but never healed from her lost love. Now, as an elderly woman, she feels she has lived her life in vain by clinging to her sad past. Continuing to grieve, she has failed to give her heart to the faithful husband and family God so graciously has provided.

Getting stuck in a vicious circle of grief can be avoided. Instead of longing for what is out of bounds, you can make yourself focus on what God has provided and be thankful. 

Keep saying, “Thank you Jesus,” and praise him for his kindness and goodness. Ask God to help you rejoice in his overflowing blessings. You will sense your attitude changing.                 

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Now your [new] attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.

~Ephesians 4:23-24 The Living Bible

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Is the Desire for Righteousness Your Primary Longing?

Two essential needs of human beings are food and water. If these are satisfied, the tendency is to then focus on other important needs like what gives meaning and purpose to life. Needs are indisputably allied with desire and longing.

A need implies the existence of internal stress to seek and satisfy whatever is required to reduce the stress that is felt. The drive to satisfy a need may create a vicious circle and consequently cause other problems that demand attention.

It’s helpful to ask, “Is what I’m doing good for me? How can I direct my resources toward what pleases the Lord God?” Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Ask God to create in you a longing for the righteousness of Jesus. This makes it possible for you to be in a loving, caring relationship with God and to be blessed by him.

 Make this your first priority.

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Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

~Psalm 37:5-6 New Living Translation

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What Are Your Heart's Desires at This Moment?

Hunger and thirst are two of our strongest drives for sustaining life. As these basic requirements are satisfied, the human tendency is to focus on other needs such as a particular lifestyle, a specific neighborhood, career advancements, and other amenities.

The need for close, nurturing relationships consistently rises to the highest priority with most individuals. Without these God-created desires and needs actively working for your benefit, life evolves into vicious circles that question life’s meaning and purpose.

Vicious circles diminish the rewards derived from having close, intimate relationships with the family and being a servant of God. Overcoming vicious circles begins by asking, “What are my priorities, what is my heart’s desire, what will it amount to at the end of days and for eternity?” Listen to an invitation from God’s word: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, for it is the power of God to give life abundantly." Will you accept?

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God will give you his constantly overflowing kindness. Then, when you always have everything you need, you can do more and more good things.

~2 Corinthians 9:8 God’s Word Translation

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Do Your Choices Count Toward Your Deliverance?

Human beings need predictable routines because life requires consistency. Children function better when there are simple routines. Being aware of what to expect reduces stress and anxiety for most people. For those who need rigid routines, any variation can be disconcerting.

Daily routines differ from vicious circles by the emotional intensity felt and acted out. Vicious circles are observed in children who display temper tantrums. A child wants something, the parent refuses, the child cries and falls to the floor. The parent then relents.

These childish behaviors evolve into indulgence and vicious circles in adults. Vicious circles can be conquered by imposing boundaries on yourself. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, acquired by permitting Jesus Christ to occupy first place in your life. 

Ask Christ to fill you with his love and mercy so you can turn away from what has so much power over your life. He will do it. Are you willing?

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Then Jesus said,… “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own his soul.

~Matthew 16:24-26 New Living Translation

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How Can You Overcome Vicious Circles?

Greed is easily attributed to those who deprive you of possessions, privileges, or a position. The critical question is, what do I yearn for and spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about? If it’s just wanting more, is it time to rearrange your priorities?

The initial drive to acquire things begins in childhood, innocently fostered by parents’ desire to provide their children with what they believe will make them happy. When given freedom of expression, greed has the power to distort common sense.

Overindulgence lays the foundation for being unable to impose self-boundaries. Desiring more, obtaining it, becoming discontented defines a vicious circle that produces entrapment and emptiness. Jesus offers a way out in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” This invitation is for you. Why not accept it now? 

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And now fix your eyes on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all the things you can praise God for and be glad about.

~Philippians 4:8 The Living Bible

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How Are Greed and Possessiveness Interrelated?

Greed reaches far beyond grasping for wealth. What gives greed power is the desire and will to possess. When a man or woman is too possessive, it equates to being excessively controlling, which creates suffering for all involved

The issue is lack of trust that evolves into a vicious circle, sometimes called a vicious cycle. Lack of trust creates the need to control, which limits freedom of choice. Eventually, conflict and crisis become the framework for a temporary solution until the vicious circle is regenerated.

Who can tolerate extreme possessiveness? Healthy relationships benefit each person’s need to be trusted and respected. In Mark 7:20-22 Jesus said what comes out of a person makes them unclean, like evil thoughts, deceit, envy, and greed. All of these are forgivable when they are surrendered to the cleansing power of God and are replaced with trust and respect as well as the choice to freely love one another.  

          

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Christ [Jesus] has set you free. This means you are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves…again.

~Galatians 5:1 Contemporary English Version

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Can Vicious Circles Be Disrupted?

New generations are given an identity. The generation of the 1970s was called the me generation, labeled as greedy or self-centered. Greed describes a vicious circle comprised of acquiring, feeling discontented, and then repeating the circle.

An ancient philosopher noted, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires, no greater guilt than discontentment, and no greater disaster than greed.” Economies depend on vicious circles of buying to satisfy desires and then becoming discontented again.

Listen to Habakkuk 2:5: “Wealth is deceitful. Greedy people are proud and restless,…and never satisfied.” This vicious circle can be disrupted by seeking spiritual wealth, which consists of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Proverbs 10:22 is assuring: “The blessings of the Lord bring wealth with no troubles added on.” So count your blessings, name them one by one, and be truly surprised by what God has done.

                

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[Jesus said,] “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” 

~John 14:1 Revised Standard Version

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What Comes to Your Mind When Greed Is Mentioned?

Greed is not a nice, attractive word, especially when it has personal implications. Most people are guilty of being greedy, if only momentarily. Has greed formed a vicious circle in your daily life? Greed is synonymous with possessiveness, with little consideration for what is right.

In the past, greed was listed as a deadly sin that sent a person to purgatory for an indefinite period of time. Greed has the potential of becoming an obsession, a passion for accumulating possessions and wealth. It can become more important than God or people.

Greed forms a vicious circle that captures the heart and the soul. Proverbs 8:18 teaches that wisdom should be our objective, for it is a gift from God. Listen to God's word:“I have riches and honor to give. What you get from me is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver.” God is the source of wisdom that is capable of satisfying the heart and the soul. 

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Then [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

~Luke 12:15 New International Version

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What Gives Vicious Circles So Much Power?

How would you describe a vicious circle as it applies to yourself? In the world of politics, past and present, men and women desperately have tried to win voters by promising to fix the problems in government, education, work, and society.

Promises are not easy to keep, so criticism and blame flood the media. Vicious circles become so entrenched that when effort is made to loosen their tenacious grip, it seems hopeless. Human beings seek hope even if it’s false hope based on partial truth.

Some folks grasp onto vicious circles of lying, trying to convince others a falsehood is actually truth. The problem with deception is, it alienates oneself from God and others. Deception can be replaced with truthfulness with God’s help, for “Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world.”

Christ Jesus is the light for your life, who makes the way clear.                          

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Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right speak the truth from sincere hearts. [They] refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

~Psalm 15:2-3 New Living Translation

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What Is It in Human Nature that Compels Us to Lie?

Children will refrain from telling the truth when punishment is imminent for noncompliance to boundaries. With some children the impulse to lie evolves into a circle of deception, confrontation, and punishment. Children distort the truth to obstruct fear and shame.

When lying has evolved into a vicious circle, it has become so ingrained that little thought is given to telling the truth, for it feels normal to lie. That sounds impossible to believe, for it’s so difficult to understand the power of entrapment that's involved in a vicious circle of lying.

Colossians 3:5 instructs: “You must put to death earthly desires such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions and greed.” Verse 9 continues: “Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old habits and have put on your new self that is being renewed in God its creator.” 

Christ in you is your hope for self-control. You can do this!                

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The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

~Proverbs 12:22 New Living Translation

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Is It Possible to Escape from Vicious Circles?

Old habits are hard to break. I’m referring to alcohol, nicotine, pornography, street drugs, and to vicious circles that include negative, critical thought patterns. Habits can be unproductive and unhealthy by  damaging your self-image and personal relationships.

Habits are synonymous with repeating particular patterns of behavior and thinking to the point they dominate what is good and healthy about you. Habits become strong, which gives them power to override your better judgment and sound logic.

Proverbs 22:24-25 admonishes you: “Don’t make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers. You might learn their habits and be unable to escape.” Whatever vicious circle is controlling you now, God has the power to deliver and redeem you. If you’re willing, God will give you insight and faith, coupled with courage, to begin a new life in Christ Jesus, who came to seek and to save you now, today. 

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Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

~Mark 11:24 New International Version

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Is It Possible to Interrupt a Vicious Circle?

Getting stuck in traffic is the norm in cities like Houston. This situation is similar to vicious circles, when we get stuck in behavior or unproductive thoughts. Everyone is sometimes guilty of losing focus and failing to complete a task.

I’m sure you’ve experienced the pattern of good intentions by getting distracted and forgetting to do what you intended. A vicious circle, also called a vicious cycle, is finalized when regret follows failure to do a task when it was convenient and now the opportunity is lost forever.

The intentions of King Saul, God’s anointed king, may have been to follow God’s plan, but he failed to follow through, which resulted in tragedy and regret. Intervening in a vicious circle requires you to accept and follow sequential steps for completing God’s purpose, but first you must completely yield to what God is directing you to do. He gives you power and strength to make changes for your life that cannot be accomplished any other way.                          

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

~Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version

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How Can Vicious Circles Be Overcome?

Someone noted that at the core of frustration is thinking, doing, or saying the same thing over and over expecting different results. This identifies a vicious circle. It’s comparable to a parent telling a child to do a specific task several times but without compliance.

As the parent bursts into angry threats, the child might comply. Then the parent feels guilty and helps the child do the task or entirely overlooks it. Parental patience can be interpreted as a lack of authority, which gives birth to vicious circles.

It’s important to structure patience with rules that are clearly understood and enforceable. Setting precise boundaries is the key to mastering self-control. 1 Peter 4:7 speaks to the issue: “Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” Did you know that self-control is a prerequisite for praying? The power of prayer makes it possible to avoid conflict and overcome unproductive vicious circles. 

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Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you, seek and keep on seeking and you will find, knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. 

~Matthew 7:7 Amplified Bible 

Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

~James 5:16 New International Version

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Do Personal Weaknesses Dominate Your Life?

A vicious circle is comparable to being stuck in a pattern of thinking and acting that produces negative results. When a threat arises to our well-being, the initial response is usually fear that may quickly transform into anger.

After an angry outburst, anxiety is prompted by the realization that emotional damage has taken place, made evident by the withdrawal of those subject to the angry outburst. Understanding the power of a vicious circle can be the beginning of healthy; productive change.

Anxiety is often followed by sadness, fostered by emotional and physical damage inflicted on yourself, another person, or a relationship. A vicious circle reflects a lack of self-control. Healing the damage caused by vicious circles begins by gaining and maintaining self-control. 

Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, made possible by loving God and surrendering everything to him.                     

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You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.

~John 15:16 Good News Bible

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How Do We Give Others a Taste of God's Goodness?

Without exception, Jesus commissions all believers to be salt of the earth and a light to the world. Narrowing down the world to whom we daily  encounter, it is possible to be salt and light. We do this by staying focused on who we represent so we will not become indifferent to others.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth and a light to the world.” Picture yourself enriching the lives of those you see each day with actions that prove Jesus is a part of your life. Imagine being a light that reflects the presence of God’s love to those who surround you.

Jesus encourages you to give others a taste of his goodness and kindness by the life you live. He challenges you to be a beacon that helps others navigate the darkness they encounter in their world. 

This is the purpose Jesus has called you to fulfill, and he promises to provide you with courage and eagerness to be that person. May God Bless you.     

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What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.

~1 John 3:1 The Message

Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 New International Version

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How Can You Be the Person God Intended?

In Matthew 5:13 Jesus encourages us to be salt and light. Salt had the potential to keep meat pure as well as to enhance the flavor of food. Jesus prompts us to be his pure voice in what comprises our world.

Jesus used the symbol of light to remind us that we reflect the light of Jesus in our circle of activity. Jesus asks, “Where is the salt? Where is the light?” It’s difficult to remember what Jesus intends for us to be in a world of distractions.

1 Samuel 28 describes how Saul, King of Israel, permitted trust for God to lapse into careless disregard by seeking help from a woman who promised she could call up Samuel’s spirit from his grave. Saul needed Samuel’s advice, for he had abandoned his relationship with God by refusing to be salt and light as God intended. 

Being salt and light is a choice to love and serve God with your entire self.

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God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

~Ephesians 2:10 God’s Word Translation

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Do You Hate or Enjoy Life's Schedules?

The schedules for school, work, and home require structure for our lives, plus they appropriately provide meaning and purpose for us. We as individuals need definite times and places to be meaningfully engaged in life. We need loved ones to go home to, where love and affection are shared.

I realize life isn’t always pleasant or kind, so we may have to endure some stressed out ways of managing daily life and responsibilities. What’s amazing is how God has created us to be adaptable so we can feel joy by realizing he faithfully provides for our needs.

Even Jesus needed time to rest so he then could put himself back out into the world of people and work. God intended for us to do the work he designed for us, which includes being the salt of the earth and light of the world. This means letting others see what God can do with a life that’s dedicated to serving him. Be that person God has called.

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The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him. If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.

~Psalm 37:23-24 Good News Bible

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How Are Bad Thoughts Obstacles to Peace of MInd?

Being subject to vicious thoughts and feelings can be an obstacle to enjoying everyday life. These thoughts and feelings are comparable to experiencing physical or emotional restrictions like believing something is true, acting as if it is true, when in fact it is not true.

Be on your guard about being pulled into situations that have some semblance of truth but are stumbling blocks to God’s purpose and plan. King Saul’s disturbed thinking created such distrust that David, his faithful servant, had to flee for his life.

Lack of faith and trust in God were the cause of Saul’s troubles that led to his death and the death of Jonathan, his son. James 1:21-22 tell you how to manage malicious thoughts and evil people: “Submit yourself to God and accept the words he plants in your heart. These words will save you. Do not just listen to God’s word; put it into practice each day.” His word is trustworthy. 

       

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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord, and not for people. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you.

~Colossians 3:23-24 Good News Bible/Contemporary English Version 

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.