” For the grace of God that brings salvation…teaches us to say “No”… [Titus 2:11]
To grow anything requires order…have you ever tried to plant something in the ground and then expect it to grow…no preparation…no fertilizer…no thought of sun or shade? I have…it doesn’t work, the poor plant struggles and at best is weak and crippled and at worst dies. However when there is knowledge and application, growth follows in an orderly fashion. Likewise, when there is proper planning, preparation, and perseverance, personal leadership grows.
Saying no to the quick fix, get it over with, need it now, kind of thinking is not the faith of effective leadership. Saying no requires confidence in the knowledge that your decisions are based upon. More than anything else, it requires the grace which is the power of God to take a stand. When Joseph said no to temptation he was given a prison sentence, but God’s grace brought a favored position and proved leadership-faith is always faithful. [Genesis 39:8-9]
Peter understood the deception of those who twist the Scriptures to fit themselves. His warning was sound. “But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior. “ [2 Peter 3:18 The Message] God’s grace has been given to keep us from sin, not just forgive us of our sin.
When the God of all Grace is honored, we are saved from sin rather than swept away by it.
