I worry about our generation of parents who feel obligated to satisfy their children’s curiosity. We strive to sound kind and reasonable. Most have never asked their kids to trust them implicitly. How long has it been since you’ve heard a mom or dad say, “Because I said so,” when their child asked, “Why?”

Is it any wonder that our teenagers feel that they have the right to question or even ignore our experience and instruction?

Today the phrase “Because I said so,” is considered by most parents to be redneck or uncultured. 

Now, it’s true… Saying: “Because I said so,” can be a parent’s lazy way to cope with questions from a child.

But have you noticed how many situations in life require immediate obedience, with little or no explanation? Sometimes delay or defiance can result in catastrophe.

Construction. Keep Right.

Keep Out of Reach of Children.

Do Not Pass.

Do Not Feed to Infants.

A directive may feel unreasonable and even irrational at times. An order may not include our understanding of its purpose.

Today the phrase “Because I said so,” is considered by most parents to be redneck or uncultured.  They believe that children deserve an explanation before obeying. The result? Our children question everything we say.

When Jesus told the ten lepers to go show themselves to the priests to verify that they were healed from leprosy, the lepers didn’t question Jesus. They didn’t ask for an explanation on how their disease would disappear. They didn’t take time to vent a lifetime of “whys” crowding their minds.

In faith, they walked a solitary route to find a priest – simply because Jesus said so – and they were healed on the way. Luke 17:11-14.

We are blessed if Jesus lets us in on the reason for doing things his way. Many times his way will appear illogical, even outrageous. But his way works.

In building a lasting relationship with a son or daughter, add a few doses of “Because I said so,” as part of their education and interaction – because their future as Christians depends upon doing what God says without knowing WHY.

“Because I said so,” can be reason enough for our children to obey.

“Because God says so,” is always reason enough to trust God when he reveals his guidance.

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Isa. 45:9-12 What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.

Does a clay pot argue with its maker?

Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,

‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’

Does the pot exclaim,

‘How clumsy can you be?’

How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father,

‘Why was I born?’

or if it said to its mother,

‘Why did you make me this way?’”

This is what the LORD says—

the Holy One of Israel and your Creator:

“Do you question what I do for my children?

Do you give me orders about the work of my hands?

I am the one who made the earth

and created people to live on it.

With my hands I stretched out the heavens.

All the stars are at my command.