Stories and Questions

One quote I heard recently has really made a difference in my life and in talking to fellow believers, non-believers, and to those whom have not brought up a question of religion. It is a simple thing to think about and it seems that it really works.

"Pastors are known to give [sermons and answers.] But Jesus gave [stories and questions.]"

It's funny sometimes how our world can be dismayed by a simple statement such as: an answer is the best response. Sometimes I feel that people actually learn more from questions than they do answers. If it is something they ask themselves, they give themselves the answer, which I feel sometimes - in relation to faith - is more convicting.

So anytime you stumble into a non-believer or a struggling Christ follower, instead of mounting up answers - which is good - make them question their own faith. Does what they believe work? And at the same time, be knowledgeable of what they know too, because in this, you can truly give stories and questions.

"Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.' With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." - Mark 4:30-34.