The Benefits of Asking, Why?

The Benefits of Asking, Why

Within Christianity, there has been a long pause on the power of asking questions. Not only within Christianity but often the world, in general, can see questions as a challenge or even worse, doubt or lack of confidence. However, when we understand the benefits of asking, why, we will also understand the power that comes with true understanding.

The Bible is filled with those that are hungry for the answers they seek, burning with why questions. Questions of doubt, questions of lament, questions of the future, questions abound in the Bible and God is never afraid of them, he even encourages them! Matthew 5:6, shows us that when our hunger and thirst are for righteousness they will be satisfied.

I was a curious young boy, and I truly enjoyed exploring. And I loved to get on my little bicycle (especially on early Saturday mornings) and ride slowly in our neighborhood just to explore.

I went further than my parents ever knew because I was fascinated with the world I was seeing, and I had a thirst to learn.

I started asking the why question as a very young boy, and I have never stopped. Having a childlike quality of asking why more often will help you learn something new every day.

“I don’t just want knowledge… I want to understand.”

-Bobby Albert

The 6 Benefits of Asking, Why?

Every person should use the question, why? because of the following six benefits.

1. Understand who you are

As you go through your day, with your antenna up, continually observe and ask yourself the following questions:

• Why did I say what I just said?

• Why was it important for me to say it that way?

• Why did I do what I just did?

• Why was that important for me to do it that way?

The benefits of these why questions will make you more aware of your actions and teach you more about yourself – your motives and purposes in life.

2. Know where you are going

Do you know where you are headed?  Why or why not? Are you comfortable being on auto-pilot doing the same thing, with the same people, and talking about the same things?

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

                                       – Tony Robbins

Are you doing what you love doing? Have you asked why? Are you where you want to be in life? Have you asked why?

Your answer to your why question just may take you in a new direction.

3. Achieve new levels of significance

I don’t know about you… but I want to make a difference.

“I want to make a difference in people, for people, and through people.”

                                        – Bobby Albert

When you want to make a difference, change occurs in people and this world. When you ask why you are asking because it matters and the answer will shape what you do next.

Many times, asking why will lead to new ways you can help others. Also asking why about important topics will highlight them more, bring awareness, and change. That is making a difference!

4. Face your fear

Fear can incapacitate us. We know that Jesus calls us to a life of faith and not fear. Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples in Mark 4:40,

“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Do you regularly ask yourself the why question out of faith or fear? Do you have an unhealthy habit, behavior, or relationship? Why do you continue?

Do you avoid the why question at all costs because you already know the answer or do you feel guilty?

Does fear stop you from asking that vital question, why, does that hinders you rather than help you develop relationships?

When you ask why you’re looking at your life with a microscope it will help you deal with whatever fear or pain that you hold deep within.

As you face your fears and thoughtfully ask why you can evaluate your life with honesty and respect.  This positions you to take your next step in faith instead of fear!

5. Enhance your relationships

When you show genuine interest in another person you make them feel important and worthy. And one of the best ways to encourage a good intellectual conversation and to lift the other person is to ask the question why.

Doing this stimulates enthusiasm and motivation in the other person.  Most of all you learn a lot more about the other person.

Insight: Asking questions and listening does more to enhance relationships than we think. Almost always, the person answering the questions comes away feeling you are a wonderful person to know, even though all you did was ask questions and listen.

6. Add value to others

When you openly and respectfully challenge yourself with the why question, it will inspire others to do the same.

When others see that you are growing and progressing through life because of your curiosity and fearlessness, they will want to have the same kind of life.

It will encourage and inspire others to get what they want out of life too.

Well, it’s time to get on your bicycle and explore your neighborhood of life. You can start by asking the most important question, why.

Are you ready to continually ask the question, why?

Which of the six benefits listed above will you claim today by intentionally asking why?

 

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