Why

Over the last 20 years of working with children and students in ministry – you have thought-provoking questions present themselves. For example, one student wondered why God created the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, knowing Adam and Eve would disobey His command. Good question. Another question (on a different occasion) was curious about creation; why did God create planets beyond our reach and can’t live on them? Another solid inquiry from a curious mind. The truth is, I enjoy these types of questions. It challenges me as a Christ-follower to think about what I believe and why my answers are true. The apostle Peter writes in his epistle, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).
 
Both questions from the kids are essentially asking – why. The quick answer could be that God’s thoughts and ways are beyond us humans (Isaiah 55:8-9). Although this is true, I also want the children and students to know the relational aspect of their Creator. Everything God does is out of love (1 John 4:7-12) and because He has a plan for His creation (Romans 8:28, Ephesians 2:10). The key phrase in what Peter wrote is honoring Jesus Christ. Set apart, Jesus loves us and has a good, acceptable, and perfect plan (Romans 12:2) – done out of love.

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