Learn to say yes or no

‘Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.”’
Matthew 5:37 NLT

Good negotiators understand that talking too much is a sign of insecurity and weakness. Sometimes the most potent word in any language is a simple yes or no, without further explanation or elaboration. Most decisions eventually come to that point. In order to do that, you must be able to answer these three questions: 1) Is this decision mine alone to make? If you are the sole decision maker or the final decision maker, don’t hesitate and don’t vacillate, make the decision. And before you do, stand on this Scripture: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him’ (James 1:5 NKJV). 2) What will happen if I put off making this decision? In most cases, things will either get better or worse for one or more party. So weigh your decision carefully, realising that it is likely to lean in favour of the heavier weight of the argument, then decide. At this point, stand on the Scripture: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). 3) Does every decision have a moral and spiritual dimension? When you compromise your convictions or character for popularity or profit, you end up morally and spiritually bankrupt. So hold to your values, base your decisions on them, and stand on this Scripture: ‘A good man [and woman] obtains favour from the Lord’ (Proverbs 12:2 NKJV).

Bible in a Year: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 8:18-34

The Word for Today