“Because I said so!”

As a child, I remember asking my parents a thousand nagging questions–always quite innocently, of course.

Little insignificant queries about why the sky was blue, why I had to eat my oatmeal, and why a nap was so important.

Questions such as the latter two really showed hints of my rebellion, and were usually matched with an exasperated, “Because I said so!”

That should be enough for any child…. right? I mean, if you don’t obey immediately (as every child should), then you’re just asking for punishment.

Well, I have a rather inquisitive nature. My favorite question is still “why?”

As one who has worked with young children on a weekly basis, trust me: this is also one of the most frequently asked questions.

Some things are simple: “Take a nap, child!”

“Why?”

“Because you need sleep.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so!”

It’s a short, ready answer: don’t question me when I know best.

And I came to find after my tempestuous teenage years that my parents usually did know best.

Not a big surprise, really; just one truth that I struggled to accept as a teen.

As time goes on, and we habitually answer children or younger siblings in that same manner, is that how we also learn to defend our beliefs?

Is our life’s default answer, “Because I told you so!”?

Is that our natural response when defending our personal beliefs?

“Why do you believe in God?”

“Because my parents said I should.”

“How do you know your salvation is eternal?”

“Because the Bible says so.”

“Where does it say that?”

“Oh, it’s in there–you just need to read your Bible more–SINNER!”

Yes, I have heard that last phrase demeaningly used in real arguments.

1 Peter 3:15 states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

How well do we know what we believe? And how well can we defend what we believe?

Do we immediately brush off these questions by pouting, “Fine. Then don’t believe me. Why can’t you just take my word for it?”

Or the classic, “Well, if you knew what I know, you wouldn’t ask me.”

(Now when a child is talking back to authority, that’s a completely different scenario.)

When other individuals approach us with questions regarding eternity, salvation, Heaven, sex, and matters we know are clearly addressed in the Bible, I hope our response is more than, “Oh, I think it’s in the Bible somewhere…”

I’m talking to myself here as much as I am to you: I still struggle with being ready to give an account in any and every season.

But today, I challenge you to take this step with me in finding biblical answers to life’s real questions.

After all: we’re all living life–let’s thrive together!

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How quickly do we brush aside discussions for an easy response?

Do we know why we believe what we believe?

What life questions have you always wanted to ask?