How to Avoid Asking the Wrong Question

Hostility, incivility, even demonization—evidence of toxic tribalism that provides an almost overwhelming temptation to join. Whenever I face difficulties, I wonder what God’s trying to teach me. I want to learn the lessons, so I don’t need to repeat the class. But what if I’m asking the wrong question? What if instead of, “What am I learning?” I need to ask, “Who am I becoming?” Maybe the challenges we encounter aren’t meant to teach us but to make us. Perhaps God intends them for our formation rather than our education. Like carbon that becomes a diamond because of extended heat and pressure. And what does he want to form in us? The character of Christ.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.

Romans 8:29

Difficult seasons contain seeds of spiritual growth. The Spirit intercedes for us when we struggle to pray. And the Father promises to accomplish his purpose in and through those who love him, assuring us we’re more than conquerors in Christ. Still, we can’t become like Jesus without exercising the power God gives us to make God-honoring choices. 

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life… For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness…

2 Peter 1:3, 5-6

Who will we be after November 3? Jim Denison advised: “You and I need to conduct ourselves during the election in ways that will advance the gospel when the election is over.” 

So how can we avoid asking the wrong question? Not by focusing on the lessons we can learn, but on the lives we can live to make the Christ-difference in our world.

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