The Right Answer

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him" (Proverbs 18:13).

I learned an important homeschooling secret after many years of teaching — it's more important to ask the right questions than it is to give the right answers. Too many times I piled tons of information on my children that was neither of interest or necessary. My "be prepared" teaching philosophy, which attempted to include every detail on a subject, was burning out my children's love of learning. Clearly, one carefully worded question sparked my children's interest far more than providing all the answers.

Needless to say, this same flaw also caused difficulty for me when witnessing to others. Because the Bible is the answer to people's problems, I attempted to provide all the facts and answers to show them their need for Christ. As I began down the "Romans Road" or shared the "Gospel Hand," I quickly spat out verses thinking I would change their lives. However, the Holy Spirit showed me that it is He who does the convicting in a person's heart. I needed to be sensitive to His leading when witnessing to others. Asking a person carefully worded questions is much more effective in leading someone to the Lord than providing all the right answers.

Do you have a tendency to give more information than necessary when you witness to others? Instead of trying to convince people of their need for Christ with your biblical answers, listen to the Holy Spirit instead. He is the One who has the perfect question to ask that will spark someone's interest in our loving Lord.

Jesus, lead me as I tell others about Your saving love. You have the right answers to everyone's problems, including mine. Help me to ask the kinds of questions that will spark others' interest in You. In Your name, Amen.