by Dan Borger

Created on: May 02, 2010

I really do not like to be told NO! Especially when it is something I really want to do. An important event in my memory happened on my ninth birthday. Several kids in our rural neighborhood were going to the swimming hole at a nearby creek. Recent rains had filled the deep hole. The rope hanging from the high overhead branch promised a lot of cool fun on a hot July day.

Before leaving to take care of business, my father's final instruction was: “Do not go to the creek”.  Convincing myself that Dad would never know, I joined the other kids at the creek for a great time of swinging, jumping, and diving into the swimming hole. All was well until a familiar car came down the dirt lane leading to the creek. I had been “ratted out”! While I scrambled up the bank and into the car, Dad stepped to a nearby bush and broke off a long, green, supple switch. Punishment was forthcoming.

My father knew that I did not know how to swim. He knew that the recent rains had filled the swimming hole to a depth that was over my head. He knew that there would be no adult supervision. He knew that the other kids were more likely to be focused on having fun than making sure that I was safe. While in my childish estimation I was invincible, Dad knew that I could very possibly drown.

Dad could have placed limitations on me that would have prevented me from going to the creek. He could have insisted that I go on business with him and always be under his watchful eye. I guess he could have locked me in my room. But Dad didn't want that kind of relationship with his son. He loved me. He didn't tell me not to go to the creek because he didn't want me to have any fun; he told me “No” because he was concerned for my safety. He wanted a relationship based on trust. He wanted me to obey his instruction out of respect for him as my father.

The punishment was not a lot of fun. But even as a nine-year-old boy, I knew it was because Dad cared. It was a consequence of the choice that I had been allowed to make. A consequence designed to prevent a much greater consequence; Dad didn't want to lose his son to drowning in the creek.

That evening, with the disobedience and punishment behind us, I had the place of honor at a great birthday party with a lot of guests, outdoor games, a three-layer cake, and a bunch of gifts.

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11, New International Version).

My understanding of God is that He has given me freedom to choose because He loves me. When He says “NO”, it is for my good. He wants a relationship of obedience based on my love and respect for Him. When my disobedience has met with a consequence, it is designed to prevent a greater consequence. My heavenly Father does not want to lose a son.

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