Have you used any of these phrases with your kids?
“Look with your eyes not with your hands.”
“Wipe that look off your face.”
“Were you born in a barn?”
“Don’t make me pull this car over.”
It’s funny how the phrases we swore we’d never use sneak their way into our minds and out of our mouths. And before we know it, we sound just like our own parents.
One of those phrases, “Because I said so” gets a bad rap. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for putting a “why” behind the rules of our home. We respected our kids and wanted them to understand the loving intent and motive of their parents’ requests. But sometimes, it may not be feasible.
There may not be time to explain.
They may not be old enough to understand.
There might be confidential reasons you can’t share.
Whatever the reason, it’s best when you have a prior trusting relationship with each other so that in the rare occasion you have to pull out the dreaded, “Because I said so” your kids can accept your loving intent on faith.
It’s the same with our heavenly Father. There are some things that he commands or demands that we just don’t understand. He doesn’t have to defend Himself or explain Himself to us. He is God.
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ (Isaiah 46:9-10).
God is not a lazy parent throwing cryptic phrases at you because He doesn’t want to be bothered with explaining Himself or because He’s on some galactic power trip.
Instead, over and over, He’s shown Himself to be trustworthy. He’s loved us, cared for us, given His Son for us. He’s lavished on us gifts of blessing and guidance. We can always trust Him–even when we don’t understand.
You can trust Him when He tells you to forgive from your heart.
You can trust Him when He tells you to not worry.
You can trust Him when He tells you to love the unlovely.
You can trust Him when He asks you to open your home up to someone in need.
You can trust Him when He meddles in your finances, your sex life and your habits.
Even when it’s hard, He’s a big, good, smart God. You can trust Him. Because He said so.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how unfathomable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).
Hot Topics for family conversation this week:
BAPTISM: We have been talking about baptism quite a bit in elementary children’s church. Ask your child what he learned. If you or your child are interested in taking this next step of obedience, please let me know!
EASTER: Speaking of baptism, the next opportunity for baptism at New Cov is Easter Sunday. Please join us for celebration and worship of our risen Lord. What a perfect reason to come on back to in-person services.
SEX: Yep, sex. It’s my opinion that it is never too early to talk to your kids about sex in an age-appropriate way. The world and the culture are actively sending messages about sexuality every day. I encourage you to be the voice of God’s truth and love in your family on this and every topic. Check out my list of recommended books to help equip you as well as to pursue greater health and healing on the topic of sexuality.