Asking the Right Question

"If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties."  — Francis Bacon

Most are content (or possibly apathetic) with what they know or with their circumstances and so never grow beyond their current capabilities.  Those that want to expand their ability or knowledge have a number of possible ways to do it: listen to lectures, read books, observe and imitate someone that has the skill that they seek.  But the ones that truly excel are the ones that ask questions.  We see this in the story of the young Jesus of Nazareth:

Luke 2:46-52  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  (47)  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.  (48)  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.  (49)  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?  (50)  And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.  (51)  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.  (52)  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

But it's important in asking questions to make sure that you ask the right question (2 Tim 2.23, 1 Tim1.4, 6.4, Tit 3.9).  The ability to ask the right question is what separates the great from the average and enables you to really grow, learn, and excel in all that you do.

How do I know what the right question is?  In 2 Peter 3.4 we see a scoffer asking the wrong question: "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."  They are focused on the perceived problem rather than properly evaluating the situation.  They are wanting to know where Jesus is.  Didn't he promise to come back?  But instead of asking a constructive question that helps them come to an answer, they ask a question that enforces the doubt that they started with.

It's better to ask a question that helps you to understand the situation that you are in and how you should respond to it.  Peter answers the right question "Is there any reason that Jesus would delay coming back?" when he says in verse 9 that Jesus is being patient and allowing time for all to come to repentance.  He then asks an excellent question that is much more constructive in the balance of the chapter (my paraphrase) "How should we behave as we wait for Jesus to return?"  We should look forward to his promises of a new heavens and a new earth, be careful to remain blameless, be careful of being led astray by false teaching, and continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.