“No”Vember is a popular challenge many people take on to improve their overall quality of life and well-being. Essentially it is a month dedicated to saying NO. As Christians, can we find any benefit in this? I believe so and share why “No”Vemeber is good for your spiritual health.
Read me Next! – Why You Need A Word Of The Year
Why Should I Say No?
The number one reason to say no this month is because of distraction. Our culture is so distracted. We are constantly socially connected, engaged, and persuaded. Life is at our fingertips. Our minds are fixed on the latest trends, news feeds, and gossip rather than being fixed on God. Many of us have the current soundbites committed to memory but have yet to memorize a single verse of the Bible.
Choosing to say no this month allows us to break those nasty habits of overconsumption. Instead of filling ourselves with the opinions of influencers, the seduction of entertainment, and the persuasion of the news, we can fill up on God’s Word. Read, study, and pray. This is not about completing a successful challenge we can post about, but a change of heart. Allow this “No”Vember to be the foundation you lay to creating a greater devotion to God.
What Should I Say No To?
Social Media
Social media is one of the biggest distractions of our day. And while it is not inherently bad, the use of it can become highly addictive and toxic.
Television
Before social media, there was television. And now with endless streaming services, binging entertainment has become a cultural norm. But instead of spending countless hours catching up on your favorite shows, why not study and meditate on God’s Word?
Social Gatherings
I am big on community and believe it is a huge aspect of our faith. However, even Jesus demonstrates time alone. But this isn’t time alone absent from the Father. Jesus took this time to fast, pray, and commune with God. (Matthew 14:13, Mark 1:35, Mark 6:45-46, Mark 14:32-36, Luke 4:42, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, John 6:15)
Processed Food
As a society in America, processed food has almost completely replaced our diet. This is not a good thing. Many of the diseases plaguing our families are the direct cause of improper nutrition and lack of movement. I also believe that many Christians struggle to fast because they have more of an appetite for processed food than a hunger for God’s Word.
What Should I Say Yes To?
Bible Study
Read and study the Bible. We should know God’s Word. The only way to know His Word is to open the book. Examine the scriptures like you are looking for something because you are! You are looking for God on every page of the Bible. This is how you learn His nature and His voice.
Prayer
Commit more time praying to God. And I encourage you to dedicate your prayer time to repentance, forgiveness, worship, and prayer. Unfortunately, many of our prayers are predicated on whether our lives are going well or bad and full of requests for tangible things. It’s okay to pray for material things. We live in a world where materials are a necessity. However, the weight of our prayer life should be about God, His Kingdom, and how we are to follow Him.
Gathering With Believers
Earlier, I suggested that you may want to say no to social gatherings during this time. However, I believe it is beneficial to say yes to edifying gatherings such as church, Bible study, and life groups, unless of course, God is setting you apart for a time of consecration.
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Healthy Eating
I firmly believe that health is a benefit of the fruit of the spirit. Improper diet may not seem like a spiritual issue but many people lack self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) I also don’t believe that our bodies, temples for the Holy Spirit, should be plagued with poison and disease. Furthermore, Proverbs 23:21 tells us that gluttony leads to poverty. What we eat and how we eat is a spiritual matter.
Look Like Jesus
Our goal in life should always be to look more and more like Jesus. If there are areas in our life that are taking precedence over our relationship with God, it’s time to start saying no to those things. “No”Vember may seem like a simple and fun challenge to participate in but when you sit back and reflect on your lifestyle, you may find that this simple challenge reveals how far away you have gotten from God. “No”Vemeber can be good for your spiritual health if you do it with Him.
Scriptures To Mediate On
Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course. Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags.
I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you
PIN THIS POST & SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND!
References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
