I am in the midst of interviewing a group of people for a series of jobs. In the process I keep finding something that I have known for some time but never quite seen played out in day to day living. Good people ask good and even great questions. People with strong potential ask questions that show their ability to grow significantly beyond their standing today. People that are passionate, high-achievers, and winners tend to ask their questions in a tone and body language that clearly conveys that answering is not optional, they are demanding that we are required to share the truth.
I wonder if I am asking the right questions of the right people. Am I demanding answers to those who can make a difference in my life? Do I look at life in terms of yesterday and what was, longing for the assurance that at least we survived, or am I willing to face tomorrow with all the opportunities, risks, and unknowns? What should I do with yesterday’s pain?
Everything circles around questions. Even my choices about the moment are shaped by the questions at hand! Nothing is certain, nothing is obvious. The winds of change, chaos of a storm, and reality of having to be out in the elements are not metaphors or clich?s; they are the realities of anyone wanting to live.
Someone meeting Jesus asked him a person question that reflected of who he was and the culture that shaped a large part of his existence. The question was direct, pointed, and relevant. “Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?” (John 4.20)
You and I have the same questions circling our lives. We have similar conundrums with apparently ugly or confusing answers. It is easy to assume that by not asking the questions life inevitably gets simpler, but life doesn’t work that way. Our choice determines our future. Asking courageous questions, demanding answers especially from God is the step to real living. Ready?
