The Why Question

Recently I have been bombarded with the "Why?" question.  I have a three year old son named Will and a one year old son named Andrew.  Will has become very, very curious.  He asks us "why" to everything.  "Why do I have to do that Daddy?", "Why do giraffes have such a long neck?", "Why do you shave?".  The seemingly endless array of "Why" questions is something that I want to explore with you for a few moments.

In the book of Job, we are told that a number of very difficult circumstances fall upon a man named Job.  These included the loss of his personal property (oxen, donkeys, sheep, and servants - see Job 1:14-17) as well as his family (sons and daughters - see Job 1:18-19).  Yet, throughout each of these losses Job does not let go of his integrity, he does not "sin or blame God" (Job 1:22).  Job laments and is eventually "comforted" by several friends who bring poor advice and needless rhetoric.  Their loftly opinions are indications of an incorrect view of God as One who always allows good things to happen to "good" people and the opposite to "bad" people.

Job experiences obvious confusion in the situation.  He recognizes himself has having been righteous and cannot determine how he should repent. Therefore, in the midst of Job's questioning, he begins to ask the infamous Why question.  When you think about it, each of us often do the same.

What does the "Why?" question tell us about our human nature?  What does it reveal?  Why is it that all children instinctively ask this question?   Why is the Why question so important?  I think we can derive a few applications:

First, the Why question states something very clearly to us.  Namely, you and I don't know everything.  We have questions.  It separates us from the One who does.

Second, the Why question attempts to determine reasons for something that has occurred (loss of life, etc.).  Thus, it inherently teaches us that we believe that there ought to be a reason for certain things happening in our lives.  If we do good, we expect certain things to occur.  If we do not, we expect other things to occur.  Yet, we know from our own experience that this is not always the case.  The Why question attempts to find reason and more importantly "purpose".  If life has no purpose, if our circumstances have no purpose, then quite naturally the Why question is nonsensical.  We do not need it.  We should not use it.  Yet, we instinctively know that there is a purpose to life and define that purpose in many, many ways but in the end all people (regardless of their religious beliefs or even lack there of) believe that life has purpose. The Why question reminds us of that.

Third, and perhaps most significant, the Why question causes us to reflect.  It causes us to examine and to ponder.  It causes us to reflect upon a lifestyle, a choice, a moral, a value, a decision, or even simply a process that occurs in which we do not understand.  The Why question forces us to pause and re-examine.  It causes us to ask tough questions that cannot be answered by mere facts and figures.  It is fundamental.  It is philosophical.  It's underpinnings lie within our basic beliefs about how the world works and our response to it.  It challenges our worldview.

Why did I take the time to write down these thoughts?  I hoped that by stimulating your thought on this topic, you too, might stop and pause for a moment to consider that examining your own life is important.  So, too, is important those deep questions which will determine the way in which you live your life and your ability to discern properly how you should choose to live it.  The Why question takes us down that path and I believe that it ultimately leads to questions which beg deep reflection within us. 

These questions have eternal significance and can challenge you to place your faith and trust in Jesus as Lord.

I hope that today you will re-discover the Why questions of life.

Joshua