Those in position of leadership or authority should not be offended by the questions of their pupil. The one seeking wisdom is often left considering whether teachers are projecting from the point at issue, or their issue regarding the point. They must realize that curiosity comes from a place of ignorance attempting to become aware. Please do not mishandle a moment to inform the curious, by poking fun at their questions. This could lead to their discouragement.
The social media parallel would be for a pupil to delete their profile: To drop out of the spiritual and political debate and withdrawing from the conversation. The pursuit of wisdom must be ruler, if knowledge is king. We ask our leaders for reassurance that we are viewing the issues at hand from the same point of view. Our questions are not intended to offend or disrespect those whom we put questions to.
As leaders, it is important not to view questions as provocation. Choosing to argue back and forth, instead of seeing the questions of our pupils, as a chance to educate them. Faith in leadership is determined from who the leader is, and less from what they do, although that matters too. Use platforms of leadership as instruments that can be an exertion of power for good. Remember, the intellect of the soul is the spirit.
Christians cannot be afraid to ask questions of pastors on matters regarding the pale or white horse, earth ages, various trumps, hidden dynasties, the gulf, and such, just to be met with disdain by the clergy. We are not lawbreakers or blasphemers because we have questions for the purpose of our understanding. Why do the powers that be persecute us for seeking wisdom?
We have reached an intersection of faith and technology and are using our platforms for hope and healing. Christians now create virtual, digital experiences of truth, in community with other believers. To overstate divine doctrine of truth in a virtual space, gives it more power to reach and advise a broader audience of believers. Those of the brick and mortar period should not seek to impede those of this technology age. Instead, embrace them when they entreat the elders through questions. If the elder does not have the answer, show the pupil in Scripture where it can be found. We can find mutual understanding in how we learn spiritually. A question regarding truth is not an affront to the person being asked.
Genesis 40:1
New International Version
The Cupbearer and the Baker
40 “Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.”
Genesis 40:1
King James Version
40 “And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.”
Genesis 40:1
Complete Jewish Bible
40 “(vii) Some time later it came about that the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker gave offense to their lord the king of Egypt.”
Matthew 15:12
New International Version
12 “Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” ”
Matthew 15:12
King James Version
12 “Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?”
Matthew 15:12
International Children’s Bible
12 “Then his followers came to Jesus and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees are angry because of what you said?” ”
Genesis 43:7
New International Version
7 “They replied, “The man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family. ‘Is your father still living?’ he asked us. ‘Do you have another brother?’ We simply answered his questions. How were we to know he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?” ”
Genesis 43:7
King James Version
7 “And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?”
Genesis 43:7
Living Bible
7 “ “But the man specifically asked us about our family,” they told him. “He wanted to know whether our father was still living and he asked us if we had another brother, so we told him. How could we know that he was going to say, ‘Bring me your brother’?” ”