Is it Ever OK to say, “No, you can’t do that.” ?

In today’s world of all inclusiveness, is it permitted to say, “That path isn’t open to you?”

In short, is it ever OK to say, “No” to anyone, anymore?

Sometimes, “no” is the right word to use.
If a small child wants to play with matches or an electrical socket, then who would just let them? No should be the answer.

But what about older and supposedly wiser people?
I do believe that the answer should be, it depends on the circumstances.
But who sets the boundaries for what is allowed and what is not?

This is where we can find ourselves possibly with different opinions, which could then lead to difficulties on some level.

I guess that what I am trying to get around to, is the question of, can the church say no, to certain things anymore?
Is, or will the church be allowed to believe and practice biblical truths?

I’m not trying to say that everyone Must buy into what the bible says. (Although, from my point of view, that would be a good thing to do. 🙂 ) We all have freedom of choice, and as such are able to make our own choices, of what we believe and how we act, for the better or worse.

I’m also not trying to say that you need to reach any kind of standard or act in any way to be able to go to church. Hopefully all churches are open for all to enter in, so that all can then have the opportunity to make a connection with Our Lord God Almighty.

To be honest with you, even trying to write this post feels like trying to walk through a minefield. I also think that many would quickly understand that thought.

As I was about to go to work one day this week, the road in front of my house was covered with rubbish from a split black bag. I knew where it had come from, as it had happened before.
Now I had a choice, just ignore the rubbish and drive over it, or, at the very least, move it. I didn’t like the idea of just driving straight over the rubbish, it could contain something that could damage my car. So I went and fetched my broom, and then swept the rubbish over to the front of my neighbours drive. (Hopefully, the right neighbours drive. 🙂 ) If I was a better neighbour, I might have picked it up, and put it in another black sack. But this time I wasn’t, and I just didn’t have the time.

This post in some ways, is just trying to sweep something, that is just there, slightly to the side.
In some ways, it is trying to say, “There are some issues, which we may need to navigate in some way.” How we navigate them, well …. ???

A picture comes to mind.
A police station is a place of safety for all.
All are free to enter into the reception area to seek help, safety or protection, regardless of who they are.
But the other side of the desk is another matter. To be a police man (or police woman), a certain standard needs to be met. Anyone may be able to apply to join the police force, but some may be told “No, your application will not be processed any further, because a standard has not been met.”
Who would be happy with a known bank robber being a member of the police force. A known bank robber might have a tough time getting a job as a bank manager as well. 🙂

So, are there actually some roles and responsibilities where someone will need to be told, “No, that path is not open to you.” ?
Will we be allowed to say “no”, without fear of recriminations?