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The days ahead look grim for America.

Economically, we've plunged into the deep end of the debt pool. With ankle weights. And wearing a flak vest.

Internationally, we've shaken hands, bowed to the waist, and kissed the posterior of most every evil dictator on the planet.

Militarily, we've cut so deep our machines are decades older than the people operating them.

Socially, we're ruder, cruder, and prouder than a boar in the rut.

Morally, we're back-stroking in sewage and savoring the stench. Horror movies have become snuff films. Music lauds satisfying any sexual deviance. Literature has gone the way of the dodo.

Long term, America might power out of this; short term, things look mighty grim.

What has brought on this full-scale entropy? We refuse to say, "No."

Civilization necessitates a healthy recommended daily allowance of the word "no." The more we say "no" to ourselves, the fewer laws we need. If I restrain myself, isn't a 30 mph sign a bit absurd for a residential neighborhood? "Duh!"

Parents today refuse their children nothing. Rather than the child getting to a level of rebellion and the parent laying the board of education to the seat of learning, the child continues to crank up the octane of their tantrums until they break the will of their parents. Game, set, and match to the four-year old brat.

To teach a child that the sun doesn't orbit their little noggin' and that all of humanity is not at their beck and call, parents must introduce them to "no" and to the discipline that arrives at its violation.

Educators will not and some cannot fail students. "What would that do to their fragile psyches?" So we graduate morons with the work ethic of Paris Hilton. Or is that redundant?

To reestablish sanity in our schools, teachers and principals must be allowed to establish boundaries and enforce them. They must be allowed to use the word, "no."

Employers cannot fire employees. Government refuses to let corporations die a natural death because people might lose their jobs thereby creating an unmotivated (or European) workforce.

Say "no!" Fire a worker or two and see how productivity picks up. If it doesn't, fire a few more. It's amazing what can get done when the workers actually want to be there. Not going to happen with unions blocking the way.

And, oh, our indulgent obesity (I say this after gaining twenty pounds). We can't deny ourselves another Twinkie or a second Big Mac. At least we're washing it down with a quart of zero-cal Dr. Pepper. If I get too large to walk, I can join the Ride-a-Cart 500 at the local Wal-Mart. Pedestrians on the right. Bubba-buggies on the left.

You can say "no" (Keith!). It's a good thing. Pounds drop. Smaller trou. New wardrobe (or back to the old one). Longer life expectancy. Fewer medical problems. Your knees can actually support you.

This inability to say "no" has infected the church, too. I'm not surprised to see stuff outside the church like "Go With Your Gut" seminars and "I Can Do It" conferences, or writing books like "It's All About You" (all real titles). It's the lie of Satan, "You, too, can be a god." This heresy has infected the church. When talking about sin gives way to salving the soul, when doctrine gives way to drama, when plainly teaching the truth gives way to bringing 'em in with production, then the church has ceased to be the church. It's become no more relevant than a junior high pep rally at best, and at worst, it stands as an apostate enemy of God.

You want "your best life now?" Don't pick up the heretical book that title by America's favorite charlatan. Pour yourself into what God tells you in His word. And He says, "No." No to adultery, extra-marrital sex, or non-husband-wife relationships. No to murder. No to stealing. No to gossip, slander, and libel. No.

Christians might query, "Isn't everything "yes" to us in Christ?" (referencing 2 Corinthians 1:19-20). For those who have already come under the lordship of God in Christ, they know enormous freedom, but all the junk in the previous paragraph remains contrary to God. The difference is now, as a believer through the working of the Holy Spirit, the Christian has the power and desire to obey. They are yoked to Christ and follow His direction and guidance. They are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit. As they submit to God, He guides them in all truth and righteousness. To establish a church and worship service on "yes" paints a false picture to those who live in rebellion to God or those who have accepted Christ as Savior for only a short time and still struggle with the issues of the "old man" who fights against the things of the Spirit.

As a country, as individual churches, as individual Christians, we would do well to reacquaint ourselves with "no." If we refuse, our race to irrelevance will only accelerate on all levels.