I’m a millennial. Now, don’t leave just yet. I know millennials don’t always have the best reputation, but just hear me out. Or maybe you’re even a millennial yourself – welcome, you’ve come to the right place. Millennials can be known as those who are always creating change. We’re also opinionated, we dig deep, seek truth, seek justice, and my personal favorite, we ask questions.
Some praise this behavior, while others look down upon it. Some might see it as a sign of weak faith. Others might be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone. But what if asking questions leads you to a truth that you would have never learned before? Wouldn’t it be worth it?
The Norm
Blissful ignorance was ingrained into who I was growing up, especially in my life of faith. In the average Christian home, your life of faith usually begins in church at a young age.
First in Sunday school, next it’s on to young adult’s ministry, and then eventually graduating to the “adult service.” Ask most born-and-raised Christians and they’ll probably share a similar experience.
But now looking back at my life, I’ve realized there was always a pattern to how I learned about the Bible in church. Show up, open journal, listen to sermon, take notes, close journal. Repeat. Every. Week.
There was never a time of reflection or digging deeper into what was being taught. In many sermons, there was always a verse supporting how to live a better life instead of learning how the Bible is connected or even about God Himself.
And yet, I continuously received information, anecdotes, and explanations, but I just…received it. No questions asked. Because that is what every good Christian does, right? At least, that’s how I experienced it.
The Questions
As an adult, I started asking questions about the Bible and my faith:
“Does questioning the Bible make me a bad Christian?” “Is it wrong to question my faith?” “Shouldn’t the church be leading me towards a better understanding of the Bible?”
“Why does it seem like the pastor only uses Bible verses as references, and then uses his interpretation as the main content?” “Why do pastors only focus on having tweetable messages?”
“Does volunteering truly determine if I go to heaven or hell?” “Why do so many Christians believe so many different things?” “Is believing in Jesus enough?”
These may be bold or triggering questions, as it was for even myself. I was once told by a church leader that “questioning the Bible is questioning your faith, and you should really check your heart.” This left me confused and sad. I was simply a girl who was seeking a deeper understanding. Was that so wrong?
Have you ever had an experience that just shook you to the core in your life of faith? Suddenly, everything changes, and it’s like the light switch flips on? Maybe it’s a trip that opens your eyes to a whole new perspective, a conversation that leaves you wanting more, a relationship that teaches you more about life, and because of this experience there’s a life-altering shift.
Questioning My Faith
For me, it was a conversation that changed it all. I was encouraged to genuinely seek out God and to seek out the Bible. Gone were the interpretations and explanations based on another person’s thoughts or feelings.
All of my questions were directed to the Bible and through the Bible I was given an answer every time. It felt like I finally found what I was searching for. But most importantly I was actually encouraged to question my faith, using the Bible as my guide.
Now thinking back to my experiences in church, I realize now that the job of a spiritual leader should always be to lead you to the one place where the truth resides: the Bible.
Because that’s where God is – in His Word.
What Questioning My Faith Led To
Questioning my faith led me to looking for answers. By looking for answers I sought out the Bible, and without realizing it, God Himself answered my questions through the Bible. What I found to be absolutely astonishing was that the answers were right there the whole time. All I needed was a little bit of guidance to see them. It was like I woke up from sleeping on the Word and was finally awake and living an active life of faith.
And maybe this could be your world-shaking moment.
There comes a point when we must stop and reflect on our lives of faith. When you’re listening to a message, a podcast, or story, do you accept everything as it is? Have you ever heard someone say something about the Bible or God that just doesn’t sit well or is contrary to what God says in the Bible?
But can you yourself even fact-check what people say, something millennials or Gen Z loves doing, and find it in the Bible? Have you ever questioned your own faith and beliefs? It can be uncomfortable. But I encourage you to pray. Pray for understanding, pray for answers, pray to God about getting to know Him more.
Ask and Seek
For me, after many tearful nights of feeling like something was missing and pleading for understanding, I finally felt a new conviction. God, I’m here. Please teach me. Please show me your ways. And He has by leading me to new opportunities to learn the Bible more.
He’s provided more relationships that challenge me to become better, and a new church that teaches and guides me through the Word to see the answers as they are in the Bible. Sometimes I wonder if the reason why I never found the answers I was looking for was because I put my faith in the actions and routine of church, rather than in the Bible.
So with all that being said, no, questioning your faith does not make you a bad Christian. It’s not bad to ask questions, to want and seek more. It’s not wrong and it doesn’t mean you doubt God.
In fact, it’s actually what God wants. If you seek God, then He will answer. He will provide opportunities for you to know Him more through His Word.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
Let this year be one of clarity and understanding. Dig deeper. Ask questions. Seek answers. Knock and walk forward when God opens the door for you. He’s been waiting for you.
Written by Gabriella
If you’ve been wanting to dig deeper in your life of faith or are seeking answers, then check out these posts too!
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