Many of us were taught as kids to just do what we were told without asking questions. And certainly, there’s a time and place to simply obey even when we don’t fully understand. But wisdom and maturity also give us a willingness to question decisions and not merely follow the agenda of others blindly.
As kids, we don’t always know what’s best for us and so we learn to trust our parent’s judgment even when we don’t fully understand. As adults, we might also come to trust the decisions of leadership – recognizing they likely see things we don’t. And, to be sure, there are many times we simply trust and obey God without demanding a perfect understanding of his ways.
All the same, there is a time to respectfully question, discern, and test the spirits. It becomes a lack of maturity and bad faith to simply do something because so-called experts are recommending it.
For instance, we should regularly question marriage advice, school curriculums, social policies, and even theology to discern if it’s truly grounded in God’s truth and goodness. In fact, our questioning becomes an act of faith. We’re willing to disrupt the status quo – trusting the pursuit of God’s best is worth it.
And it should give us pause whenever good faith questioning is not allowed. If something is true and good, it will remain true and good regardless of how many questions are asked. This is why we’re free to question even God. He’s not threatened by our many questions.
And when something can be improved, questions allow for this – exposing blind spots or shortcomings otherwise missed. Without bold and courageous questions we risk building on a sandy foundation.
In the end, be respectful of authority without being afraid to question. Your willingness to question is a mark of faithful maturity and allows you to keep discovering God’s best.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
