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“If you want God’s best, you can’t just say no to what’s wrong.”

A thought by Mark Batterson from his book, Play the Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be (p. 46). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Mark continues, “You have to say no to second best. Good isn’t good enough! That’s what the apostle Paul is getting at when he writes, ‘Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial.’ [1 Corinthians 10: 23 (CSB).]”

Mark then says, “This little distinction between permissible and beneficial is the difference between good and great. Don’t settle for what’s permissible. That’s the path of least resistance. Go after greatness by going the extra mile!

“Willpower means not my will, but ‘your will be done.’ (Matthew 16:10) It’s a will that has been fully surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It’s a sanctified stubborn streak that refuses to compromise its convictions.”

Mark goes on, “Now, let’s bring this idea down to earth. If you want to get out of debt, you’ve got to make decisions against yourself financially. It’s called sticking to a budget. If you want to get into shape, you’ve got to make decisions against yourself physically. Join the gym. If you want to grow spiritually, you’ve got to make decisions against yourself. Try fasting.

“What decision against yourself do you need to make? If you have the courage to make it, it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself.  If you don’t believe me, ask a world-class athlete or renowned musician. The only way you become great at anything is by making decisions against yourself.”

It will be tough, but it will be rewarding.  Will you start making decisions against yourself?  Will you?


Yes, yes!

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