Kids & Parenting

When the Answer Is NO

by Terry Barlow
03/27/15
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One of the surest ways to spoil a child is for the parent(s) to always say "yes" to the child's requests. That is partly why the book of Hebrews in the New Testament tells us (chapter 12, verse 8) that if a son is without chastening or discipline he is illegitimate (a bastard) and those are strong words. A true son of God endures chastening, part of which is being able to accept" no" for an answer and Jesus as THE unique Son of God was no exception in this regard. Remember how he pled in the garden for the cup of suffering to be removed if it was possible. (Matthew 26 v.36 to 46) his answer from the Father was, in effect, "no." He accepted that answer graciously and was content with it, knowing the wisdom and necessity of it for our redemption. Similarly the apostle Paul, as a legitimate son, accepted the chastening of a "no" answer when he sought relief from his thorn in the flesh three times in prayer only to hear the Lord's reply that His grace was sufficient for him. (2 Corinthians 12, v7 to 10) Paul accepted this response like a man, knowing it would keep him humble and increase his dependence on the Master, for which he could only be thankful. Better examples we could not find of what it means to be disciplined sons and daughters of the living God, than these two who "poured out whispered prayers because your discipline fell on them." (Isaiah 26, v.16)