Intentional Curiosity: Why Asking Questions Will Produce a More Abundant Life
- Brian Miller
- Feb 13, 2018
- 3 min read
As an introvert, I naturally was one who asked questions. Many Questions. One who thought critically about the world around me and what was being spoken of by others. Unfortunately, as an introvert, I never had the courage to ask questions in settings with many people, but instead resorted to one-on-one discussion. Though I often hesitated to ask questions due to the context, it never stopped me from asking somehow and in some way. Intentionally asking questions has led to many benefits of which I would encourage others to do the same.
How Curiosity led to my Christian Conversion
Around my sophomore year of high school, I started to put in effort toward understanding the Bible and the Christian faith. As with anything that you have a desire to learn about, questions naturally arise. A lot of questions. This was no exception to my exploration of Christianity. The more and more I read the Bible, the more I had questions about it. However, it didn’t end there. Praise God it didn’t end there. If it would have just ended with questions popping up in my head and no intentions of asking someone, I would never be where I am. Because I believe in God’s sovereignty, I can’t say my conversion would have never happened, but I do believe, without any doubt I wouldn’t have grown as much as I did. Due to the faithful men who have been available to answer my many questions, I have been able to grow in my faith in radical ways.
What Do I Mean By Intentional Curiosity?
Everyone at some point in time gets curious or has questions about something, and yet many are not intentional about asking. This is a loss in the books. Intentional curiosity, at the smallest level, is asking questions when they come to mind. At the largest level it means intentionally learning a new skill, concept, culture, etc, and asking questions to further grow in that process.
What Happens When We Don’t Ask Questions?
Imagine all of your questions that have gone unanswered. The curiosity that you never put any effort in. The “L” you took to grow deeper in areas such as academics, spirituality, finances, etc. The world is marked by many lazy men and women. What is the result? Men and women who lack knowledge and the effort to grow. The process of growing and gaining knowledge doesn’t end with information in our brains. How trivial would that be? Our growth will always affect others, just as our lack of growth affects others as well.
Accountability
When it comes to asking questions, it should never stop with you. Accountability is a key component in the betterment of one's self. The hope is that you would choose an inner circle that is wise enough to ask you the tough questions in life to keep you on the right path. Friends and family that you can depend on. Friends and family that hold you accountable because they love you enough to tell you the truth. Asking the uncomfortable questions is sometimes how you get to that truth.
Introspection
Those who go through life without purpose or a plan tend to not have their life together. These same people are usually ones who don't stop and gauge where they are at spiritually, mentally, emotionally, etc. Problems usually persist this way. Just like accountability, it is best to consistently make a practice of introspection to prevent falling off the cliff. It is always beneficial to stop in the midst of the business to ask how you are achieving your goals. To stop and ask how you are helping and guiding your family. To stop and ask how your finances are looking. To stop and ask how you are doing spiritually. Without introspection, you tend to drift from what you have been called to do.
The Call for Intentionality
Comments