Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 5, 2014
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 18:1
The questions I ask are an indicator of what’s important to me. My questions reveal what’s in my heart. They can come from selfish or unselfish motivations. For instance, if I only ask questions of my wife related to my work issues—career comes across more important than emotional intimacy with her. But when a friend probes my heart with compassionate questions about my faith, I am encouraged and energized. The best questions are other centered, not me centered. My prayer is for my inquiries to convey care from a humble heart. My questions mirror my soul.
The disciples reveal their heart of pride when they ask Jesus who the greatest is in the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps Peter is the spokesperson for the group—he edges to the front hoping to position himself to be selected by the Lord as the sole example of greatness. Jesus may have pointed toward His followers, only to ask a child in the crowd to come forward. Yes, Jesus made it very clear that a little one’s humility and honesty made great ones in His kingdom. The greatest are those who serve, not those who look to be served. The disciples’ question exposed their selfishness.
“When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1).
What is the tenor of your questions? Do they embarrass and shame or do they affirm and honor? Seek to ask questions that help a friend understand God’s will for their life. Have they listened to the Lord in prayer? How has God spoken to them in the Scripture? What does their spouse think? Why do they want to do what they want to do? The best questions get to the heart of the matter. Good questions go a long way in helping others discover the right way. Better for someone to understand for themselves what to do, than to unwillingly be told what to do. Ask wise questions.
Most of all inquire of the Lord. In solitude we solicit our Savior’s heart. We can be confident our Creator has the most creative answers. Indeed, it is out of our intimacy with the Almighty that we gain insight and understanding. Most strikingly, God has given us the answers we need for now in the Bible—His wisdom for our current condition. When we ask Him our purpose in life, He clearly states we are to love Him and to love others. Our love brings glory to God. Our questions are an opportunity to gain clarity in whom Christ wants us to become: His humble servants.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me to inquire of You first, before I ask what others think.
Related Readings: 1 Kings 3:9-10; Proverbs 2:3-6; Ecclesiastes 7:10; Matthew 21:23-25
Post/Tweet this today: Good questions go a long way in helping others discover the right way. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Ted Talk- Why do we ask questions?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9hauSrihYQ
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