“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord”. Ephesians 5:8-10
Roughly 2,500 years ago, the Chinese philosopher known as Confucius left behind a quote I find worthy of consideration in the realm of learning the will of God. He said, “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute. The man who does not ask a question is a fool for life.” While Confucius was altogether disconnected from the Bible and its precepts, the concept set forth here is critical to our pursuit of the wisdom of God. Better known to our place and time, and saying essentially the same thing is the adage, “The only stupid question is the one not asked.”
In the context of biblical studies, it is imperative to have the healthy kind of curiosity that leads us deeper into the book. The process is demanding for sure, but the rewards far outstrip the cost. One element that can stymie our pursuit of and growth in that knowledge is letting fear of embarrassment or rejection keep us from asking the questions that come to our minds. There may be any number of reasons why a person would not ask the question, but whatever the reason, we must abandon such ideas. One of my former instructors repeatedly impressed upon us that learning is itself an exercise in humility. His rationale was multifaceted.
First, before we can learn anything we must admit that there are things we do not know which we need to know. Second, we must then admit that someone else knows the things we do not yet know. Third, we must be willing to seek that knowledge in order to obtain it. Such seeking demands asking questions we might feel a bit sheepish for asking, but ask we must because He has promised to supply the wisdom we need if we will (cf. Matthew 5:6; 7:7-11; James 1:5-8).
Christianity is a taught religion from beginning to end. One cannot come to the Lord without learning from God (John 6:44-45). The one who has come to Christ through this learning can only grow in their newfound faith by continuing to learn from Him (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 2:2). Such is not an optional matter, as repeatedly the New Testament reveals God’s demand that we grow in His wisdom and knowledge (Ephesians 4:17-24; 5:8-10, 15-17; Colossians 1:9-14; 2:1-9; Hebrews 5:11-6:3; 8:8-13; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:14-18; etc.).
More can be said about this essential element of Christian faith, but this is sufficient to impress upon us the imperative that we learn from Him. There are enough natural impediments to growth which are beyond our control. For this, we cannot allow any controllable factor to limit our potential for growth in the knowledge of His will. So, when it comes to obtaining the knowledge of His will and ways, we can ask the question and be a fool for a moment, or we can refuse to ask and be a fool for life. This choice will ultimately determine our eternity, so let’s be fools for a moment in pursuit of His wisdom.