Question: Where did the phrase: ‘curiosity killed the cat’ come from anyway? I don’t know a cat, or anyone for that matter, who died because a question was asked. Asking questions are a skill, and it has to be nourished. When someone is an addict, my curiosity leads the way into understanding that person as a whole. Could it be genetics that led them down this path? Past issues? How will one know until the questions are asked?
“When we find ourselves waist deep in the quicksand of our questions, it can be tempting to try and escape – to set all of our questions aside just to avoid the quicksand altogether.” – Steph Williams O’Brien
In Steph O’Brien’s book, Stay Curious, she talks about how questions – and asking the right questions – are what Jesus’s life and ministry was about when it came to teaching his disciples.
It’s easy to see this skill in Galatians 4, where Paul asks:
“But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?”
“Where, then, is your blessing of me now? Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
“Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? But what does Scripture say?”
I combined the questions throughout Galatians 4. He let his curiosity of the Scriptures lay the framework for how he interacted and responded to the people of Galatia. After all, he was living among them while teaching and sharing the good news of Christ. Yet, for some reason, the Galatians backed off and became cold towards Paul while he was away. It’s as though they forgot about the time they took care of him while he was ill.
I’ve experienced friendships that are hot and cold: One season, we’re best friends and I believe we’ll be friends for a lifetime, and then the next season of life, it’s apparent that I haven’t talked with or seen that person in a few months. However, I often brush it off, saying to myself: “Well, they’re a mom, now. Having a family means no time for friends. Besides, I’m busy, too.” Instead of cultivating my curiosity, I let the friendship fall by the wayside.
Paul is known to be bold, and often, it comes from asking many questions, and urging others to challenge one another with love.
Stephanie Williams O’Brien book, Stay Curious, is out soon! You can pre-order the book by clicking Here
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