Why, Dad?

Proverbs 4:1-11

“Why can’t I go sledding on Hill Street with the other kids?” Guillermo begged at supper one night. “Everybody else is allowed to go sledding there. I know you think it’s dangerous, but I don’t see why! There are hardly any cars on that street. Besides, the drivers usually go really slowly. Matt’s dad says they know kids like to play there.”

Dad leaned back in his chair. “Well, Guillermo, that may be true,” he said. “But when I was a boy, I had a bad experience on one of the hilly streets in our town. Didn’t I ever tell you about that?”

Guillermo shook his head.

“We all would go sledding there,” continued Dad. “Halfway between the top and bottom of the hill was a cross street, and we always had someone watching there to tell us whether or not the coast was clear. One day as I was going down the hill on my sled, the lookout told me no cars were coming. But just as I reached that intersection, a truck reached it too. I was going fast, and there was no way I could stop. There was no way that truck could stop either because the streets were slippery. I slipped right under him, missing the tires by inches. Even now I can remember the fear, knowing how close I was to being killed—or at least seriously injured. That’s why I don’t want you sledding on the street. There may not be many cars, but it takes only one for a serious accident to happen.”

“Wow, Dad, I never heard that story!” Guillermo exclaimed. “I can see now why you made that rule for me.”

Dad smiled. “Parents usually have good reasons for the rules they make,” he told Guillermo. “Sometimes you can understand them and sometimes you can’t. The real test, Guillermo, is when you don’t understand my reason but are still willing to obey me.”

How about You?

If you don’t understand why your dad and mom made a certain rule, ask them to explain it to you. If you don’t agree, remember that God says it’s your responsibility to respect and obey those rules.

Memorize:

“Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 1:8