LESSONS FROM MY CAMCORDER (4): LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Once people knew I had a camcorder, I had one or two people who walked up to me to say things like, “Temi, can I borrow your camcorder? I have a birthday party,” or a hostel mate saying, “Can I use your camcorder for my departmental dinner?” I was untrained. I was simple at heart. I was “generous”. I would give the camcorder to them to use. I always felt it was not a big deal. 

There was just one problem- I did not see that camcorder as a business tool. I saw it as something I just did for fun. I treated my tool of financial independence like a child’s toy. I call a hobby what some people see as a means of making a living. I was untrained! 

You must ensure that you are not too simple-hearted. I see a lot of simple-hearted people around these days, and I remember myself. Simple people often struggle to say “No”. Then, later, get offended and say things like, “I was there for everyone, but no one was there for me when I needed them.” 

The problem is that you think you have to be everyone’s messiah. Be truthful- there are times you seek validation from those acts. Men often prefer simple people, but they often end up taking them for granted. 

Have you run a business with someone who begged vehemently that they will pay you as soon as the job is done, and things turned to insults, and you look like the inconsiderate one when you begin to ask for your balance? 

When Proverbs says a man is simple, it often refers to the man as foolish. The simple man is the naive man, who is lacking in wisdom. They lack operational wisdom to interact with all manner of men. They lack insight into how to treat their valuable assets, including themselves. 

What are some attributes of the simple? 

“The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.”

Proverbs 14:15 AMPC

“The naïve demonstrate a lack of wisdom, but the lovers of wisdom are crowned with revelation-knowledge.”

Proverbs 14:18 TPT

Beloved, you must master the art of saying “No”. No is a complete statement. Consider matters well. Think about the future. Process it properly. Have you seen a professional photographer treat their gadgets like toys, sharing them with everyone? It will rarely happen. 

I was a video man, but I was not in business! Jesus was aware of the business side of life from an early age. Do you?