....trespassing

The sign nailed to the tree said "No trespassing." The red letters stood out for metres in every direction. But that didn't stop the young boys from climbing the fence in order to reach the apples that grew on the trees on the other side.

One day, a small boy slipped while he was climbing the apple tree, and fell into a pile of sharp branches, cutting himself badly and breaking his ankle. Alone and afraid, the young boy lay crying for hours amidst the tumble of sticks.

Finally, the owner of the property happened by. He came out and lifted the boy from the branches. The child was afraid of the wrath of the farmer who had posted such ominous signs, but the old gentleman merely smiled at the boy and said, "I didn't put the signs up to be mean. I put them there to try to keep things like this from happening. It was a kindness which caused me to want to protect little boys just like you."

Our loving heavenly Father gives us rules for the same reason. He is hoping to save us from pain and suffering. When we ignore His guidance, we find ourselves in terrible situations. We can feel confident that God is trying to protect us by His rules.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

“Great peace have those who love your law and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165