What to do with Insincere Questions about God?
Now, insincere questions like; "Can God create a boulder that is too big for Him to lift?" display an ignorance of who God is. They are mainly designed to show that God is not all powerful because, one, He can't create something that is too big for Him to lift or two, that if He can then He's not strong enough to lift it. Neither of which is true. The answer is God can do anything that He desires to do. Nevertheless, the question doesn't matter either way. These types of questions reveal our ignorance of who He is and really shouldn't be asked. God can see our hearts and our motives, if we come to Him with a sincere heart, He will go out of His way to answer our questions.
Perspective #57: God can see our hearts and our motives, if we come to Him with a sincere heart, He will go out of His way to answer our questions.
He may do this, by pointing us to the section of the Bible that answers our question. He may show us a book to read that answers our question or bring someone along to help give us the answer. He may put the answer in our daily devotional reading, or allow our Pastor to answer the question for us in his next message.
I am always amazed when I ask God a question, and right away He answers it for me. I know this is a silly example, but let me show you what I mean.
One time I was playing the California Lottery a little, a dollar here, two dollars there, not much. For some reason, I got sucked into the idea that, God might want to bless me through the California Lottery (don't judge me!!!) Eventually, I started playing five dollars at a time, you know, to help God out a little (as if He needed my help). Then ten dollars, finally getting up to twenty dollars. Since the lottery draws twice weekly, this was quickly becoming an expensive habit. Of course, I had very little to show for my investment.
I decided to ask God if this was okay by saying something like, "God, if you don't want me doing this, just let me know." Of course, I did not seriously expect Him to answer. I’m not sure I wanted Him to answer.
The very next Sunday morning, within the first five minutes of my pastor's message, he says something like, "don't you all know that the Lottery is just a tax on STUPID!" I couldn't help but laugh. I was floored that God responded so quickly. It worked; I have not played the lottery since. The answer was enough to change my perspective and my desire.
Now, for all of you gambling aficionados, this isn’t an indictment on the Lottery or gambling, if God hasn’t told you that these things are just a tax on stupid, by all means, continue. However, if He has or is, then you may want to take it up with Him!
Finally, here's some biblical wisdom concerning insincere questions:
The Bible says: A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. (Proverbs 14:6)
If you come to God with an insincere heart, He will know. And good luck on finding anything out. In the end, you may just look like a fool. However, come to God sincerely wanting to know Him and His truth, and that is when you will begin to find it. They call this wisdom! Understand, God is not a genie in a bottle who will perform for you anytime you demand it as if you can “make” Him do something!
Perspective #58: God is not a genie in a bottle who will perform for you anytime you demand it as if you can “make” Him do something.
Some people try to tempt God by saying things like, “God, if you exist then give me a new car right now!” Of course, when the new car doesn’t appear out of thin air, they say something stupid like, “well, I guess God doesn’t exist then,” as if God’s existence depended on Him performing some selfish, self-centered circus act for them! People like this do not “get” God nor do they care to. Because He is “all-powerful,” God can and will make everyone stand before Him and give an account of their life.
Perspective #59: Because He is “all-powerful,” God can and will make everyone stand before Him and give an account of their life.
The truth we need to understand here is that we are all powerless to resist this future event. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you “believe” in Him or not; God will still hold you accountable, regardless of whether you want to be accountable. That’s the cool thing about being “all-powerful.” Because He is “all-powerful,” God doesn’t have to “prove” Himself on demand for our amusement!
Perspective #60: Because He is “all-powerful,” God doesn’t have to “prove” Himself on demand for our amusement!
Joshua, who took over for Moses said it best when he said:
The Bible says: Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14)
When you get the fact that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, you understand that He’s going to know whether you are sincere or not. You can’t fool someone who knows everything, so do not even try.
Of course, having the question is only part of the puzzle. Listening for the answer and desiring to learn can also be a challenge for us.
Blessings...Walker!