Blog

Mar 04, 2026 06:00am

“That’s Not for You”: When God Says No for Your Good

56 Views

“No, that’s not for you.”

I find myself saying this to my dog often. As soon as he hears the crinkle of a wrapper, he immediately hops up. He hears the call of his stomach louder than my correction or guidance.

“It’s chocolate. Not for you.”

I repeat my reminder to him because I want him to understand, as much as a dog can, that I’m not just withholding something he desires because I’m mean or restrictive, but because I know it’s harmful to him.

It’s not just chocolate candy. It’s the acorns on our trail as we walk every day, the quest for a stick—not to carry and play fetch with—but to chew and destroy. And then there’s the worst of all—wanting what the cat left behind. 🤢

“You’re supposed to be a trained dog! Listen to me! Do not eat that!”

I’ve tried to allow him some freedom. I let him off the leash so he can run and release his energy, feeling the wind in his teeth and gums as he flies through the orchard and the field.

But freedom often leads to poor choices. When he’s left to go his own way without supervision, that’s when I find him chomping away at some seemingly tasty morsel hidden in a pile of leaves.

And then the leash comes back out. I want to keep him close—not to be mean—but because I care about him and I know what happens as a consequence of those choices.

Ephesians 5:3–20

“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God…

‘Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise… Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit… and give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God is holy. If we believe in Him and choose to follow Him, we are His children. That’s what Paul shared in the previous verses: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

To be an imitator of Him—a reflection of who He is—we too must pursue holiness.

What does that look like?

This is exactly what Paul is describing to the believers in Ephesus.

If you want practical ways to apply God’s Word to your life, this is it. Paul clearly outlines what believers should avoid and what they should pursue instead.

God doesn’t withhold these things because He is mean or restrictive. He instructs us on what to avoid because He knows the consequences. He knows certain behaviors are harmful, and He wants to spare us unnecessary pain.

Grace from God is a beautiful gift. It offers forgiveness in a way we can hardly explain. His mercy steps in so we do not receive what we deserve.

However, grace does not remove earthly consequences.

That is why God speaks to us through His Word with clarity and love. He has given us instruction on how to live as His followers.

Grace has freed us, but we still need correction, direction, and boundaries for protection.

I love how this passage ends: “Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God doesn’t just tell us no. He doesn’t simply give rules to restrict us. He offers a better road—a path that leads to Him. He gives us an alternative.

We were walking toward sin, but now we walk toward God. That is repentance.

It’s not just changing our actions—it’s changing our minds.

If you are a follower of Christ, then follow Him. The sinful things of this world that tempt you—leave them. They are not for you. You are His. Listen to His commands. He offers you abundant life.

Have you ever met someone and thought, There’s something different about them? Do you want what they have—hope, peace in the storm, faithfulness? That life is possible through Jesus Christ.

Visit follow.lifeword.org to learn more.

And if you’ve been searching for a way to share Jesus with others, this is a powerful and free tool.