It has been said, don’t ask the question if you don’t know the answer. But if I already know the answer, then why would I even ask the question? The problem is that I may not like the answer that I’m going to get.

In this information age we live in, most answers are just a few key strokes away, but are they the right answers? Let’s face it, we tend to accept the answer that pleases us whether right or wrong and that puts us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that can lead us anywhere.

However, I have found that I can always go to God for the answer that I need. Notice that I said need, because every answer that he gives is leading me toward being a better Christian and ultimately to him!

Herein lies a problem if we only accept the answers that we like. This can mean that we don’t want to change or to admit that we might be wrong. In a way it’s like not wanting to grow up. Paul put it like this in 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

Paul is making a comparison between the physical and spiritual. Maturing always includes growing pains, whether it’s pain of our bones growing or the pain of letting go our childhood games and toys. As a Christian, it is the pain of putting aside the things that do not portray Jesus Christ.

How many of us truly like pain? Isn’t it easier to just give up? An athlete would tell you, “no pain, no gain.”

For the Christian, 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” If I want to be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, I must allow and accept the reproof, the correction and the instruction of God!

Just remember this one thing: When mankind is involved in the answer, mistakes are sometimes made. The sad thing is that God usually gets the blame when it wasn’t his fault. Whether it’s been hours or years, ask him for his help. He’s still willing to be there for you.

I have found over the years that the answers I’ve received from God may not have been what I wanted to hear, but they have been just what was needed. When I receive what God says, I become a better person and a better Christian.

CLERGY COLUMN

¦ Local clergy wishing to write should contact Lois Hart at lhart@gwi.net. Lay ministers as well as ordained clergy may contribute.

ARDEN CROSS is pastor of Gospel Light Fellowship in West Bath.