King's Corner: The Power of Negative Thinking

King's Corner column for March 28, 2025

My father, Mark King, was a man of books. His love for reading was cultivated in solitude when he worked on a remote property, tending fences. Every three weeks, he received new supplies, but otherwise, he was alone. Rather than idling, he immersed himself in literature, memorizing many of Kipling’s poems, Hamlet’s famous “To be, or not to be” soliloquy, and passages from the Bible. This self-directed education shaped his intellect profoundly.

Once, he shared with me an interesting anecdote from a renowned American literary magazine. The editor had posed three questions to a group of authors: "What is the most beautiful word in the English language?" Responses varied widely. Then they asked, "What is the most misused word?" Overwhelmingly, the answer was the word "yes." Lastly, "What is the most useful word in the English language?" The near-unanimous response: "no."

Despite its utility, most people struggle to use the word “no” effectively.

We often hear about the power of positive thinking—an idea as old as the Bible itself, which states, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” But we often overlook the equal, if not greater, power of negative thinking. Just as a well-placed “yes” can uplift and empower, a firm “no” can shield us from forces that would weaken or corrupt. A strong, intentional refusal can be as vital as an affirmation.

So, how does one harness the power of “no”? There are three fundamental principles that govern its mastery, each exemplified through compelling biblical narratives.

The first principle is learning to say “no” calmly and courageously. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the Book of Daniel illustrates this well. These three young Jewish men, despite being given Babylonian names, held steadfast in their faith. When King Nebuchadnezzar commanded them to bow before a golden idol under threat of death in a fiery furnace, they stood firm. Their response was unwavering: “Our God is able to deliver us from the furnace. We do not know if He will, but we do know that we will not serve your gods.” Their refusal was absolute, whether it led to salvation or death. When they were thrown into the fire, the astonished king saw a fourth figure walking among them, one who appeared “like the Son of God.” This is the power of a calm, courageous “no.” Those who stand firm in their convictions never stand alone.

The second principle is saying “no” wisely and with finality. This lesson is demonstrated in the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Joseph, a slave in Potiphar’s house, faced relentless seduction from his master’s wife. The temptation was persistent and dangerous. Had he succumbed, he could have gained power, influence, and comfort. Moreover, as a slave, he was not bound by societal expectations of virtue. Yet Joseph stood resolute: “No. I will not sin against my God.” His refusal wasn’t just verbal—he acted upon it. He fled, leaving his coat behind in his haste. This teaches us an essential lesson: it is not enough to merely say “no.” One must also remove themselves entirely from the temptation. Many say “no” but linger just long enough to reconsider. True wisdom lies in a decisive and final rejection.

The third principle is learning to say “no” powerfully and authoritatively. No example embodies this better than Jesus Christ himself. Throughout his ministry, Jesus was tempted repeatedly—by Satan in the wilderness, by agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and even on the cross in his final moments of suffering. Yet, in every instance, he met temptation with the same resolute response: “No.” His ability to stand firm in the face of immense trials was built through a lifetime of discipline. He teaches us to cultivate the same strength—to deny ourselves daily so that when the greatest tests come, we are already prepared.

Among some South Sea islanders, there is a belief that when one kills an enemy, they absorb his strength. Likewise, each time we say “no” to temptation, we reinforce our willpower for greater battles ahead. The question we must ask ourselves is this: have we trained ourselves to say “no” calmly, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Have we learned to say it wisely and with finality, as Joseph did? Can we say it powerfully and with authority, as Jesus demonstrated?

This divine power to say “no” has helped countless individuals break free from destructive habits—whether food addiction, alcoholism, or drug dependency. It is not just philosophy; it is living power.

When Jesus came into the world, he did not ask for much—only enough ground to erect a cross. And upon that cross, he bore the weight of all temptation and suffering. From there, he delivered the ultimate negation of evil, declaring once and for all: “No.” His resurrection stands as God’s eternal rejection of sin and darkness. Through him, every believer has the authority to say “no” with confidence.

So, say it. Declare it. Write it. Shout it if you must. Because when you wield the power of a well-placed “no”, you can make it stick.

Thanks be to God for this immeasurable gift.