Today, I got a message from a friend asking for a contribution towards a new church building in her city.

I replied that I would have no part in it, as in my opinion, her city does not need new church buildings.

My reply irked her a little.

People do not like a sincere “No.” They would kick and scream for anything but a straight no.

She decided to call me and sell all the blessings of God that come with building a church for Him.

I told her the God I serve is not transactional, and that building a church for him with a mindset that blessings will follow is a sure-fire way of ensuring no blessings follow.

She gave up at that point and moved on to other blackmail.

I am thankful for the power in a no. As James Clear said, “When you say no, you are only saying no to one option. When you say yes, you are saying no to every other option. No is a choice. Yes is a responsibility.”