The Art of Inquiry
There are a variety of methods for learning. Over the years I have reduced them to four main ones. We learn by hearing, by observing, by doing and by inquiring. The last method allows some comments concerning it. It is a method that is greatly exemplified in the Bible. The disciples were ever inquiring. How often they would ask the Lord for explanations about what He taught or what was going to happen. Some times questions were piled upon questions. Remember, concerning His return they ask three in a row! (Matthew 24:3). Paul’s method of writing was often to ask questions and answer them.
In the book of Romans I once counted (someone will check this out and I will be one off, no doubt) 88 questions by the writer, the apostle Paul. And in every day life it is a great method for learning. Show me someone who wants to know the answer to something, especially for purposes of learning, and I will show you someone who is inquiring. Show me a person who doesn’t inquire, and I will show you a person who is missing a large and important way to learn. Yes, observe, do and hear, but learn to ask. Of course, ask someone who has the answers. Ask someone who knows. Ask someone who knows you! The answer will be more useful if you do. What is it in your life you want to learn? What areas are there where you or I need help? Do you need help with your finances? With your car? With your children? With your marriage? With your besetting sins? With your depression? With your work? With your attitude? With your temper?! With soul winning? With your own soul? Do you need help? Well, have you inquired? Have you asked your parents, dear child or young person? You might be surprised at their answer and how it helps. Have you asked your husband, dear wife? Have you asked you wife husband! Have you asked men and women in the church, dear believer? Learn to inquire. Ask that close friend or older person? Yes, we can figure it out ourselves at times. Of course, remember one of my proverbs. “God meant for us to learn by being taught.”
And the best way to be taught is by people who know you and can help you. Don’t let pride or fear keep you from seeking help by inquiring. Learn the art of inquiry. It will save you much angst, remove prolonged problems and often give you the answer almost immediately and areas that have been troublesome for years. Yes, ask the Lord first - James 1:5 - ”If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Then, as needed, ”Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” (Dueteronomy 32:7).
“Ask, and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you...” (Matthew 7:7)