ARE YOU PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION?

Question and Answer

Matthew 22:34-40 
But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

Today are you asking questions to change your ways or are you tempting God?

TODAY'S TOPIC:  The Motive For Your Questions

Most times questions are asked with an ulterior motive.  At times it is to embarrass or expose the individual we are asking the question, find fault or test others.  The answers sometimes comes with some demands and expectations that we are not ready for.  Let's take a look at the following questions and answers:

1. Rich Young Ruler - (Matthew 19: 16 -22) What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?   Answer: Keep the commandments.   His comeback statement shows that he was not satisfied with the answer so that when Jesus answered him again and said, go sell that thou hast and give to the poor, he went away sorrowful.  
2. Peter - (Matthew 21: 21-22) How oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? till seven times?  Answer: Until seventy times seven 
3. The Disciples - (Mark 9: 28, 29) Why could not we cast him out?  Answer:  This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.  
4. Pharisees and Herodians - (Mark 12: 14-17) Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, or not? Answer:  Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.                                                  

As you reflect on the above, do you see how hard answers could be to a heart that is not prepared to accept, obey or carry out the answers?

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

• Are you the Rich Young Ruler who may have your worldly goods as an idol and find it hard to give it up?
• Are you Peter who may find it hard to forgive in a lifetime much less seventy times seven in a day?
• Are you the disciples find it hard to press through with prayer and fasting to get your deliverance?
• Are you like the Pharisees and Herodians question your giving to God in money, time or deed?
• What other question you may have that the answer may be a hard pill to swallow?  

Sometimes like the lawyer even after you are given an answer still question the answer, "who is my neighbor?" 

Remember, God requires a heart that is sincere and people that are willing to serve Him in spirit and in truth.  He calls us to be faithful - NOTHING ELSE WOULD DO!

Finally, seek His answers for the truth.

John 8:32 (KJV)And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel