As a leader, you need to have an understanding and overall view of every aspect of your group.  Yes, there are times, situations and circumstances that challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and possibly work outside of your given talents.  But, those times should usually be the exceptions not the norm.

Do you find it difficult to say “No” to unrealistic requests and unrealistic expectations?

There is a foundational principle that will aid and empower you to say “No” when necessary.  Having a personal purpose statement enables you to know what you should not be doing.  It empowers you to say, “No.”  It also equips you to recognize those situations when you should say “Yes.”

You can see this example lived out through Christ.  Jesus knew His purpose was one of ransoming.  In Mk. 10 He says, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.  As you read through the gospels, you will discover many statements with the theme of ransoming.

So, when situations arose that were totally outside of His purpose, He knew how to appropriately respond.  When the people tried to make Him a political figure, He resisted because it was not His purpose.  In John 3:22-4:3, when a dispute about baptism arose, Jesus simply walked away.  Scripture reveals to us His next encounter, which is one of the most famously illustrative of Him being involved in ransoming as He reaches out to the woman from Samaria.

It is okay to say, “No.”  It is not only alright, it is appropriate to not do it all!  Discerning your proper response to any given situation will be more straightforward when you understand your purpose.

Here are four simple questions to help you clarify your purpose and aid you in developing a personal purpose statement.

What am I good at?
What can I do that no-one else can?
Who are the most important people in my life?
How can this all be used to serve God’s purposes?

Developing your personal purpose statement will empower you to say, “No.”  It will also aid you in recognizing those situations when you should be saying, “Yes.”  Remember, you do not have to do it all.

Rev. Gary R. Linn