First Lady Nancy Reagan spearheaded an anti-drug advertising campaign entitled “Just Say No!” in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The phrase became an instant success phrase used in all areas of society. When I hear it today, I remember the television commercials used to inspire people to stop using drugs. Drug addiction then, as it is now, was growing rapidly and every effort was made to thwart the spread of addiction. However, I know of another story where someone used “No” as a catalyst for change.
Over 100 years ago, a man from London was converted to Christianity. He soon became pastor of a small church in the slums of London. Every day he ministered to the down-and-out, the downtrodden, and the oppressed. He, with a small group of followers, would stand on street corners and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ from sunrise to sunset.
Other pastors were embarrassed by his actions. He was called before a conference and asked point blank, “Will you go where we tell you to go? If not, you will be defrocked!” In the balcony where the conference was held, this pastor’s wife sprung to her feet and shouted out, “Tell them, no, never!” Her husband immediately turned around and boldly stated, “No!” to the conference attendees. (I am so glad he listened to his wife!)
That man was William Booth. Both he and his wife, Catherine, started The Salvation Army. Booth’s brave utterance of “No!” changed history in Great Britain and in almost every corner of the world. Wherever the Salvation Army serves, it provides help both for the body and for the soul. Today it is an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
When we say “No,” whether it be for personal reasons or to prevent evil from continuing in the world around us, God will provide what we need to stand by it. He gives us courage. Despite our weaknesses, it’s God who gives us strength and equips us to move forward.
We are to be the salt and light in this world of ours. Salt to preserve truth … and light to expose what veers us off course. The most important word we can use is “No!” Someone once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
I just wonder how much better this world would be if we spoke up and said “NO” more often. What do you think?
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdinistries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: addiction and recovery, courage, God’s love
