“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries to merely comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”- Albert Einstein
Mark Batterson continues Chapter 6 of Primal as he observes that it isn’t good enough to love God with half your mind. That’s no better than putting in a halfhearted effort. Because God wants to sanctify every part of your mind for His purposes – sanctified logic, intuition, imagination. Even a sanctified sense of humor!
However, when you stop using any part of your body – mind included – that part atrophies. In fact, Walter Bartz, a physician and Stanford University professor, coined a term for this: disuse syndrome. Most noteworthy, Pastor Batterson asserts, when the mind atrophies, the soul shrivels.
Yet, when you attempt to cram truth into the mind, it hardly gets beyond the short-term memory. It follows then, that crammed truth never penetrates your soul. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain – or regain – your holy curiosity. Also, Mark exhorts, we need to keep it real with God and with one another. We must talk about the real problems, issues, and questions people face.
Also, the author notes, questions drive the quest for the lost soul of Christianity. Especially the hardest and important questions. As a result, holy curiosity:
- isn’t satisfied with easy answers
- doesn’t settle for platitudes we’ve picked up on the journey
- asks the tough and honest questions everyone else is afraid to ask
In conclusion, Mark posits, “The church ought to be the most curious place on the planet. We ought to be a safe place where people can ask the dangerous questions, but all too often we’re guilty of answering questions that no one is asking.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you maintain a holy curiosity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The mind and soul – enemies or allies?”