I find it extremely gratifying to field questions of the faith from children. I never know what will be asked, and I am often surprised at the depth of their questioned reasoning. At times the questions relate to the images on the stained-glass windows or the symbols and colors of the paraments, these are easily answered.
At other times, the children ask really hard-hitting questions. The children always ask the hard questions from their hearts too. They really care to know the answer, and they really care how to make sense of it all, and they really care to amend their lives accordingly.
I don’t find this near as prevalent in adults. I rarely get easy or hard-hitting questions from adults, especially those “seasoned” in the faith. I think the reason is two-fold. First, there is a sense that one should “already know”. This practice of prideful disposition can severely inhibit one’s growth and development in the faith. Often, though, it’s even worse than that. This is because the real answer may never be found, and a self-declared inaccurate or errant answer is believed.
Second, there seems to be a willingness to simply stop walking. This might be a product of a world that has constantly challenged them to the point that they simply give up. As an example, if you went to three doctors for an evaluation and all three gave differing conclusions, who would you believe? You might just believe nobody knows and stop pursuing any answer.
Or one might stop walking and pursuing an answer for fear of what they might actually find to be the real answer. Being wrong in faithful understanding is difficult to find peace with, and can bring forth other questions that can unsettle anyone’s foundation.
No matter the reason, when we give up on pursuing the answer, or even asking the question, we quit growing. And for a people who are called to continue to grow into Christ Jesus and be more like Him, that’s problematic. When we are young, we pursue growth with great passion, hope, and expectation. There is excitement, fear, and joy. Wasn’t this true of you?
Why not take a moment today and consider the questions you gave up asking years ago, or maybe consider the most important questions to be answered for your livelihood and growth today.
Our verse for today is taken from 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)-
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.
Almighty Father, we ask for enrichment in Thy love, and growth in wisdom and understanding; when the questions get hard and frightening, give us guidance and peace; that we might serve Thee in all confidence of Thy Truth; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, who reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and always. AMEN.