Articles
Are We Looking for Questions or Answers?
Are We Looking for Questions or Answers?
By Doy Moyer
There is a difference between the one who is constantly seeking questions and the one who is seeking answers. The following is not intended to be a list of hard rules with no exceptions. Rather, these are observations I have found to be fairly typical in my own experiences:
The question-seeker is rarely satisfied with any answers, but continually asks unanswerable questions. The answer-seeker has questions, too, but is able to recognize legitimate answers and is happy to find them.
The question-seeker’s follow up is to the effect of, “Yeah, but what about…?” (cf. Luke 10:29 and the lawyer wishing to justify himself). The answer-seeker’s follow up is to the effect of, “Now let me understand how to apply this.”
The question-seeker mistakes a search for questions with a humble search for truth and quits looking. The answer-seeker finds truth through humble acceptance of legitimate answers and keeps studying.
The question-seeker looks for clever ways to ask the questions so as to stump others (Cf. Jesus’ opponents who often tried to trap Him). The answer-seeker looks for clarity, not to stump anyone, but to lead to solid conclusions and grow together.
The question-seeker sees the questions as an end in themselves since no answers suffice. The answer-seeker sees the questions as a means to find real answers.
The question-seeker uses the lack of answers as a reason to raise doubts. The answer-seeker uses the lack of answers as a way to keep seeking and finally trust in the One who does have the answers.
The question-seeker asks questions without learning much from them. The answer-seeker asks questions to foster learning.
The question-seeker uses unanswered questions to suspend judgment upon God and Christ. The answer-seeker suspends judgment on an unanswered question, but can still trust God.
The question I need to ask myself is simple: am I a question-seeker or an answer-seeker?
It’s a Tough Job
One TV personality looks for the most dirty and grimy jobs he can find. Then he does those jobs on camera so we can all be grossed out. The surprising thing that usually comes out of his forays in filth is that the people who do these unpleasant chores for a living seem happy to be doing them and take pride in their work.
I wonder if that’s the way it is among the people of God. In the church and in the community, there are hard and even dirty jobs that must be done. For instance, where is the glamour in coming out on a work day to spread tar and sealer on the parking lot? Where is the joy in walking into a hospital room to visit a patient who has just received bad news from the doctor? How can it be easy to take responsibility for the care of someone with an emotional or mental disorder? How much fun is it to visit and talk with someone who has decided to abandon the faith or who is currently practicing immoral behavior?
Imagine how the crowds gasped when Jesus reached out and touched the leper. He was not afraid of hard and dirty jobs. Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He was “moved with compassion” for the lame, the ill, the downtrodden (Matt. 9:36). Let’s follow His lead and with love tackle the tough tasks around us.
No task will be harder for you and put you more at risk than to sit down with your children, parents, spouse or best friend and talk directly and clearly about their soul. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. The end result will be worth it. Work well done for Christ will receive a well done from Christ. May we learn to say: No matter what my daily work might be to earn my livelihood, still may I see that my job, the real position I hold, is bringing others to the Master’s fold.
A Moments Wisdom
--Never argue with an fool. He will just bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.
--Voice over the phone: “I sent my little son, James, to your store for five pounds of apples, and I find on weighing them that you sent only four-and-a-quarter pounds.” The Grocer replied: “Madam, my scales are regularly inspected and are correct. Have you weighed your little boy?”
--“The question “Who ought to be boss?” is like asking “Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?” Obviously, the man who can sing tenor.” (Henry Ford)
--Christianity helps us to face the music, even when we don’t like the tune.
--“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk.” (Francis of Assisi)
--The biggest mistake is the fear that you will make one.
--A fault denied is twice committed.
--The only complete mistake is the mistake from which we learn nothing.
--Women are more irritable than men; the reason being is that men are more irritating.
--No man is a complete failure until be begins disliking men who succeed.
--Hatred and anger are powerless against kindness.
--Civilization is always in danger when those who have never learned to obey are given authority.
--He who adds not to his learning diminishes it.
Upcoming Sermons:
10/9/22 AM - A Sermon on Sleeping; PM - Guest Speaker: Doug Sanders - “What If?”
10/16/22 AM & PM - Gospel Meeting with Wilson Copeland
10/23/22 AM - I Will with God’s Help; PM - Homilies from the Hypocrites
10/30/22 AM - May the Lord Give You Peace; PM - The Making of a Fool
11/6/22 AM - Equal in God’s Eyes; PM - Singing Service: Congregational Choice of Songs
11/13/22 AM - Is God Too Strict?; PM - Seven Social Sins
11/20/22 AM - Frightening the Faithful; PM - Titus, the True Son
11/27/22 AM - “Not!”; PM - “Without a Parable, He Did Not Speak to Them”
