"Because you say so" Love

“Because I say so.” It’s the ultimate parental trump-card: the non-refutable, conversation-ending phrase. Most of the time it is spoken in response to a persistent inquiry (“Why can’t I go out and play?”, “Why do I have to wait?”…). Although this response is likely associated with negative memories (being denied prompt access to ice cream, enforcement of bedtime, etc), I think we should do our best to shake these off and think about this phrase from a new angle.

Why does this phrase work—why do children listen (albeit with pouts)? The time-tested success of these words hinges on the authority of the one who “says so” and on the fact that deep down, we know that they know better. We may not understand why we are to do something, but our trust in the wisdom of the parent figure combined with their position of authority—compels us to accept the mandate and obey without further question. I know that our parents are not perfect—none of us are—but our experience with a loving parent can help teach us about the character of God, our heavenly Father. If we trust our parents, how much more can we trust the Lord, the Creator of the universe, and the one who knit us together in the womb (Psalm 139:13)! God is the perfect parent: His love for us is pure, unconditional and self-sacrificial (Deuteronomy 7:9, Romans 8:38, John 3:16) and He holds—and deserves—all authority on heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

If we walk with the Lord, seeking His face and His direction, there are times we might be confused. We may not always understand where we are placed, what we are asked to do, or why something happens. But let us remember to trust in the wisdom and power of the One who knows best. Check out what can happen:

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (Luke 5:1-6)

Peter got it right, and was immediately and tangibly blessed. But more than the load of fish, for Peter's obedience to obey in trust he received a promise to be used by the Lord: "Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people" (Luke 5:10).

Imagine how God might use us if we sought to make our lives say to Him: “because you say so, Lord” and submitted our fears and desires to Him!