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When it comes to religion, there's a major benefit to not
asking questions. It's easier to accept what people say
and follow established religious leaders, than study God's
word and think for ourselves.
Some Religious Leaders Don't Tolerate Questions
A church leader sent an email to the members. A rather new
member of the church sent an email back to the leader, questioning
details of his email. After a very cordial exchange, the
church leader told the member he was probably in the wrong
church, and should look for a different church.
I've heard of similar episodes occurring again and again.
Some religious leaders don't like to be questioned, especially
by people in their church.
This reminds us of a very important lesson. Don't
ask questions, unless you want to make sure you're in the
Lord's church. Questioning the leaders and members
of a church is the only way to learn whether the church
is of Christ or of man.
Jews Refused to Answers Jesus' Question
In Matthew 21:23-27, some Jews asked Jesus by what authority
He had cleansed the temple and done other things in Jerusalem.
Jesus, willing to answer their question, asked, "The baptism
of John was from what source, from heaven or from men" (Matt.
21:25)? By answering this question, the Jews would answer
the question they asked Jesus.
The Jews refused to answer Jesus' question, because the
answer proved that their teaching concerning Him was false
(Matt. 21:25).
This reminds us of another, very important lesson. Don't
ask questions, unless you want to know the truth and repent
of your sins.
Bereans Are Commended for Asking Questions
When Paul and Silas arrived at Berea, they immediately went
to the synagogue and preached. Luke's commentary on the
Bereans' reaction is:
- "Now these were more noble-minded than those in
Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things
were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a
number of prominent Greek women and men" (Acts 17:11-12).
The Bereans didn't accept what the apostle Paul preached,
at face value. They questioned it, and searched the Scriptures
every day to see whether he was teaching the truth. In other
words, they asked the hard questions, and worked hard to
find the right answers.
Again, this reminds us of a very powerful lesson. Don't
ask questions, unless you want to be noble-minded, like
the Bereans. To be noble-minded regarding God's
word is to diligently search the Scriptures to learn the
truth, and put those things into practice.
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