For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 2 Corinthians 1:19
Is your life about "No," or is it about "Yes"? Do you spend every day running from the things you should not do? Or is your time spent focused on the good - on the things that always have the answer of "Yes"?
I believe these two questions reflect the struggle Christians so often face. Is your life about religion? Or is it about relationship?
Religion in its truest sense is all about "No" It's about the "thou shalt nots" in life. It's about falling in line and quickly getting into step - then not straying from the path.
Relationship, on the other hand, is about "Yes." It's about trusting and following the person of Jesus Christ. It's about keeping our eyes so focused on Him that there is nowhere else we would choose to walk but on His path.
Lord, I really like the "Yes" things in my life. I have been so blessed to establish friendships that are bringing me great joy. So much is about "Yes." Acceptance, affirmation, accountability, and authority - these are all signs of godly relationships that are calling me to holy manhood.
Unfortunately, like every man I have had my share of "No" things in life. There are friendships that have been broken because one or both of us stepped off the path.
Forgive me, Lord, for straying away. Help me to say "Yes" to Christ everyday. Help me to walk where He walks. Help me to stand where He stands. Make my life into what You planned - less about religion - more about relationship.