Good parents know when to allow children to make choices and take risks—and they know when to say no for the safety and well-being of the child. There are times when we dare not stray in our commands to children. Their lives could be at stake. Besides physical danger, there is the element of character development and spiritual growth to consider.

Our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent. If God had wanted us to be permissive, He would have given us the “Ten Suggestions.” He did not! He gave us the Ten Commandments. “You shall not” means no! Adam and Eve were not even to touch the tree in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3). Our Heavenly Father has our well-being at heart at all times. His “no” needs our full attention.