The church is nothing if not traditional. We continue to do the very things those before us did. In the very same way that they did them. Of course, we have a good reason for the traditions we hold. But sadly when it comes to explaining why we do what we do many Christians fall short. Offering up generic answers that ultimately cause more questions than they answer. The church needs to learn how to properly explain the why to better serve those asking the questions.
When asked why we do something answers such as because the Bible says so, Pastor teaches we should, or because that’s what we have always done, are not good answers. They are good reasons to point out considering the Bible is our ultimate source on serving God. Our pastor is the person God placed in our life to lead us and tradition has been carried through the years for a reason. But they fail to explain the significance of the act in question.
Those asking the question need more than a quick and simple answer. Because they have taken the time to ask why you know they have a true interest in the answer. They deserve an answer that properly explains the reason something is still being done today. In the Old Testament, we see many traditions that God said should be carried on. In them, he explains that one day children will ask why they carry on the said tradition and offers a proper response. Not by simply saying because the Lord said to do this. But a real explanation of the significance and importance of the act.
Exodus 12:25–27 (ESV)
25 And when you come to the land that the Lord will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. 26 And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’ ” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Deuteronomy 6:20–25 (ESV)
20 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’
21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23 And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’
Joshua 4:5–7 (ESV)
5 And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
Our responses need to be like those that God gave the Israelites for future generations. Then need to go beyond the simplistic answers we so often give and instead carry real depth. Explaining the biblical reasons why we do certain things and even why we don’t do other things. Good questions on important subjects deserve good answers that mirror the importance of the question.
For instance, if someone asks you why do you believe everyone should be baptized. Responding by saying because the Bible teaches that everyone should be is a horrible answer. It offers no explanation of baptism, it’s meaning, and doesn’t even give examples of baptism throughout the New Testament. Really it offers no more information than the individual already has.
A good answer to such an important question takes time. It includes facts and examples from the scripture. Your response should involve opening the Bible and showing that person where the answers are found. Fully explaining the importance of baptism. Giving the best reasons as to why you believe in baptism that you can. Then they will have the knowledge that allows them the understand why baptism is important for salvation.
John 3:3–5 (ESV)
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Mark 16:16 (ESV)
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 2:37–38 (ESV)
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
You may believe that people should simply trust and accept the simple answers. Such as the Bible says so, the pastor teaches it, and because that is the way we have always done it. That may be true for Christians well versed in the scripture. But those who are asking why mostly likely have no scriptural foundation to start from. They need an answer that will build that foundation. As well as give them the information they are looking for and so desperately need.
We must understand that a question is a sign that someone is hungry for information. When our answer does not satisfy that hunger they will turn to other sources outside of the church. Sources willing to offer a deeper answer whether it is accurate or not. Don’t cause people to walk away from God and to the world because you weren’t willing to go beyond a simple answer. Always take the time to properly explain why you do certain things and believe certain things. Offer an answer that will change their life.
The church is in the business of growing faith. That is our purpose in this world. Making disciples and teaching them about the Lord. Helping others grow deeper and deeper in their faith. The only way we will fulfill that calling given to us by Jesus is by offering thoughtful and insightful answers to every question. Not by brushing off every question with a simple and meaningless answer that doesn’t even answer their question.
Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
If you can’t answer a question that’s okay but whatever you do, don’t blow the question off. Take time and search for the answer. Or connect them with someone who can answer their questions. That being said though every Christian should be able to offer some sort of explanation of what they believe. If you can’t then start asking questions yourself and start studying out what you believe. Be prepared to give an explanation of your faith to anyone who asks just as the Bible says you should be.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Giving the proper answer to any question “why” is important. It will grow faith and can draw others closer to God. While simple answers will only cause people to look for an answer with more depth somewhere else. Do your part and take the time to give the best answer to every question you are asked. Your answer could be the very thing someone needs to start on their walk of faith. The answer you give could even stop someone from walking away from God. Don’t throw that opportunity away with the answer you give.
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