When you get down to the root of it, assumption is a foolish thing.
Assumption removes logic and love. We assume we know, and they don't. We assume we don't know, and they do. We assume they have the knowledge and resources we have. We assume we don't have the knowledge they have. We assume their knowledge is better. We assume our knowledge is better. We assume they're angry. We assume they know why we're angry. We assume we're right. We assume they're wrong. We assume we understand. We assume they understand. We assume an explanation is required. We assume an explanation isn't required. We assume and believe things that are not truth. In all my assuming, I've learned that God's Word is the only truth with which I can firmly stand. I am flawed. People are flawed, but God's Word is a firm, firm foundation. And when I found myself in confused, assumed situations, I'm reminded He is not the author of confusion, and His word sheds a lot of light on the untruth and darkness that comes with assumption. Once, I saw an interaction of two friends who were talking privately, and when I showed up, they stopped. My first assumption was that they were talking about me. And maybe rightfully so. I felt like a balloon that had lost its air. I cherished one of these friends to the utmost. When I got home, my roommate could tell I was deflated and asked what was going on. I explained, and she stopped me in my tracks by saying, "Linz. Step back. Is that her character?" This question resounds in my heart each time my feelings get hurt because of assumption. I had allowed something I perceived that was happening to remove logic. That absolutely was not that person's character. I assumed they were talking about me, but I didn't assume the other person had a hardship going on in our life and she was confiding about it to my friend and wasn't ready to make it public knowledge. I didn't assume that maybe it was simply something that was none of my business. I didn't even assume it was a surprise for me. Logic left, and I forgot WHO my friend was. Assumption brought in all sorts of doom and doubt. Have you ever met someone that belonged to a certain crowd, lived a certain way, or even went to a certain church? Because of whatever people's affiliations, we often assume a lot about them. (Now, fair enough to say that sometimes people gain reputations on their own accords, however, it will never be my place to decide things about people that I've not experienced firsthand, and even then, I hope I love them through it.) You know what happens when we assume things about people? Love leaves. Think about it. We've decided something about them, and perhaps we don't like that decision we (unfairly) made, and so now we've put up a barrier. Once, I read an article about something people believe. Which lead me to read more articles on the issue. The articles ripped me, as a person, to shreds. Again, I was a balloon without air. From that moment on, I thought everyone who had any tie to that article thought the same thing about me, and I put up all kinds of walls. Love left. I was angry at people I had never met, and I was angry I people I called friends. I assumed a lot about a lot of people and quickly found myself with a root of bitterness. Jesus grabbed a hold of me, and I learned quickly that my assumptions were so wrong, and that my assumptions were causing a lot of destruction internally/spiritually. I'm a tender soul. Boy, am I tender. Sometimes there is great beauty in this, and sometimes there is great heartache. I can be so in tune with people that I notice things that might be overlooked, but I also wayyyyyyyyy (ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy) overthink. With overthinking also comes a lot of assumption. And as mentioned above, with assumption comes heartache, lost logic, lost love, and a great potential for bitterness. The Lord has taught me so much in this area, and I still have so much to learn. He has taught me that He never assumes because He knows everything. I'm not God. I don't know everything, and therefore I shouldn't assume that I do. Instead, I should be intentional and show that person the same mercy He has so graciously bestowed upon me. He has taught me that I've caused myself a whole lot of heartache by assuming things about, and reminded me time and time again about Philippians 8:9 and thinking on things that are true and lovely. How easy it is for my mind to dwell on things I assume- not know- are true. He has taught me that I should either confront those things head on, lovingly- no doubt, or move on. It's not fair to be upset with someone because of something you've assumed because chances are, they are totally unaware you're upset or that they've done anything at all/ you're treading dangerous ground in the realm of bitterness and unforgiveness. God also frequently brings 2 Timothy 1:7 to my mind. Assumption can lead to an incredibly unsound mind, and that is not of the Lord. Assumption could also be assuming we know everything. Assumption could be assuming that we're right or our way is best,, totally overlooking our own flaws but seeing everyone else's. That lies on the dangerous ground of pride. Assumption might risk someone's eternity. In the south, usually, everyone knows about Jesus, but they might not know Him personally as their Lord and Savior Who loved them enough to die for their sins. James 2:19 says "Thou believes that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble." Assumption removes the consideration of others. So many people are walking through things of which we are unaware. Who knows what happened before they walked out the door? Who knows what physical, emotional, or spiritual battle they're facing? Hurt people often hurt people, so rather than assume offense, let's show love. We might assume things about people and therefore never take the time to get to know them or their story. We assume things, and we miss out on an opportunity to share the Gospel. We assume and don't share truth. We assume and sever relationships. May we not allow assumption be a destructive force, but rather stand on truth.
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