By: Jason Kline | January 19, 2017
I am often counseled that we should never, under any circumstance, question God. To an extent I agree. To a greater extent, I disagree. To the extent I agree, only if questioning God means a deliberate rebellion against the counsel and will of God. To the greater extent, only if that means a person is genuinely seeking the counsel and will of God.
In the former, I agree because it is this kind of questioning that reflects a rebellious heart, contempt and ill will toward God. Is this really questioning? I think not. I think this is clearly a relational issue. To the greater extent of which I disagree is because questioning God is seeking Him to understand. That is, it is not a relational problem but a theological misunderstanding. Theology is man’s understanding of God. Like Job, his relationship with God was fine. It was his theology that was in turmoil.
When one’s theology is incorrect it can lead to doubt. Doubt prompts us to ponder, “why,” or questioning God. But, ones perspective of God, and their heart toward Him, ultimately determines whether or not they will rebel against Him or seek in order to understand. This means that theology impacts our relationship with God. Right theology prospers us while bad theology, left un-examined and improperly explored, leads one away from God. Surely, God honors those who seek him (Matt. 6:33; 7:7).
Therefore, I encourage questioning God. I encourage us all to question only as you seek Him in order that you may understand. This way leads to life. The other way leads to death by contempt. Only the devil would suggest we do not question God because by it, we come to find Him.
Jason Kline is a chaplain in Southwestern Virginia. He received his M.Div. in Theology from Liberty University and his Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. He is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry degree at Luther-Rice Seminary. Jason is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Be sure to visit his website at http://bythewayministries.org.
The views expressed by guest writers are their own and may not represent those of Bellator Christi Ministries or its affiliates.
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