I Have A Question
Okay, so I don’t really have a question. For once, I’m not the hand-raised, kid-at-the-back-of-the-class, yelling “Ooh, pick me! Pick me!”
Nope, this is a post about people who have questions. Scratch that. People who are questioning.
There is a difference between having a question and always questioning. I love people who have a question: “How does this work?” “What does the Bible say about…?” “Can you help me understand…?”
But churches seem to be filled with the other kind: people who are always questioning. “Why in the world did you…?” “What gives you the right…?” “Why won’t you just…?”
People who have a question are almost always a joy. They’re inquisitive. They’re typically growing. They love to discover new truths and new insights.
People who are always questioning are almost always a drain. They’re rarely satisfied. One question spawns another. Nothing ever gets settled.
Those who are always questioning rarely trust leadership…they’re suspicious…they assume every motive is a bad one.
Scripture calls us out of the “always questioning” trap. Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…”
Living a non-questioning life sets us apart from unbelievers. We live in a world where people are more known by what they’re against rather than what they’re for. Living a life where we assume the best and trust others isn’t just unusual, it’s almost unheard of.
So how about it? Do you have a question? Or are you always questioning?
Brother, this was me a few years ago; and old habits die hard. As a constant compla-er…questioner, I can say that those who are doing it just have their defenses up. It doesn’t excuse their behavior, as it cleary displays their distrust of the Lord and His body, but with understanding can come a little extra restraint in applying a violent interpretation of “Bible-thumping.” People of such ilk, left to their own devices, grow old, not older. My name is Cliff and I am a recovering grumbler.
Great insight and differentiation! I had a leader once ask someone who was “always questioning”: What will satisfy you? If I engage you in conversation… if I answer this, will it make a difference or are you always questioning because you enjoy stirring the pot?”