Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is …Â Assume.
Assume can be defined as taking something as true or factual without any proof.
We do it all the time in assuming the information given to us in an advertisement is true. We can be sorely disappointed when our expectations are not met.
Assumptions can lead us to make wrong and unwise decisions. We need to weigh all the facts, looking from all perspectives, and returning to what we know to be true before moving forward.
Even in choosing a Bible version to read, one cannot assume all are the same or all are holding to the original truth intended. Word changes and phrases can misguide or make a shift in the meaning, albeit subtle.
We must take that which we hear and read and ask, “How does this align with God’s Word?” and “What does Scripture say about this issue or subject?”
“Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)
Paul in writing to young Timothy brings advice for us all – remember from whom you have been taught, and what was taught:
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” (2 Timothy 1:5, NASB)
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15, NASB)
In his first epistle, John also brings this wisdom:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, NASB)
Read God’s Word every day.
Study His Word faithfully,
for His truth will stand.
Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
Thanks for this.
Love the song!
I made an assumption
(wished that I were better-read);
stuck to it with gumption,
declared that two plus two is Fred.
Now I see in retrospect
that an answer wrong even in kind
will cause me to lose respect,
and make folks think I lost my mind,
but it seemed reasonable at the time,
and I stood behind my claim,
and even as I write this rhyme
I can’t say that I feel shame
from being knocked down from my perch
for a mere lack of research.
It’s so true, Andrew. Assumptions often have a way of humbling us. At times, it’s they are the hardest teachers.
It is interesting that we both thought about the verse in John’s epistle. We should not assume. Therefore, we must test the spirits to see where they are based.
“Assumptions can lead us to make wrong and unwise decisions. We need to weigh all the facts, looking from all perspectives, and returning to what we know to be true before moving forward.” – that is a helpful reminder! You said it well.
Rejoicing! Wayne
Much appreciated, Wayne.
What I have also learned from the Timothy verse is the importance of spiritual teachers in our life. His mentors passed on their love and wisdom and knowledge, so then Timothy could pass that on to others. What a blessing.
Yes, so true and needed. We learn in order to pass it on. May we be faithful to do so!
The Bible is our source of truth. You have given good encouragement to pursue truth!
May we faithfully pursue truth.
Continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of–God’s word is a solid foundation.
Yes, it is our only solid foundation.
Thanks for your inspired post. The song is lovely – off to see if I can find the music score for it!
Just popped in from #13
Great blog. We must also ask God for wisdom, guidance and discernment in not assuming whatever Christian books we are reading line up with the truth of God’s Word. I especially loved the video. Thanks for sharing.
Terri
#4 FMF
I so appreciate you adding to be wise and discerning in the books we read as well.
I love Spurgeon’s quote about discerning between right and almost right.
Spurgeon’s quote is a constant reminder to me. False teaching always has just enough truth to make it credible. It’s the only way we take the bait.
Joanne, this is so thoughtful. I think I’ve leaned into far too many assumptions along the way instead of looking at people’s character and taking the time to understand their motives and hear their hearts.
Maybe the older we get, the more we realize how little we really do know for sure.
Linda, lately I have found myself saying the very same thing – “The older I get, the less I know.” 🙂
Joanne, I appreciate your encouragement to ask ourselves, ““How does this align with God’s Word?” and “What does Scripture say about this issue or subject?” The plumbline of His Word can keep us from false assumptions.