No Assumptions

“They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.”  Acts 21:29

Let’s just be honest.  We all know what assuming does, yet we still do it.  And when we do, we almost always assume the worst. In our own mind, our suppositions soon becomes certain, and we usually end up stirring up trouble for somebody somewhere. 

An amusing and not too damaging example—Several years ago, as I was walking midweek down the city sidewalk, a friend stopped to say how excited she was to hear me sing a solo in church the upcoming Sunday.  Shocked and concerned by this surprising news, I asked her the source of such nonsense and was told that the info came from the church office.  On an immediate visit to that location, I learned that a recent acquaintance had volunteered my musical services in lieu of the choir’s regular special. I quickly tracked down the culprit and discovered that her statement had been based on an assumption—“During the service last week, I heard the most beautiful voice, and when I glanced back a few pews to see who it was, I saw you, and I just knew you would be glad to sing a solo for us!” To which I replied, “I heard that beautiful voice too!  And it wasn’t me; it was behind me!!”  (When I finally convinced her that a large choir was the smallest group suitable for my vocal talents, she acquiesced, and all were spared!)

A serious and most painful illustration—Many years ago, while walking around the temple in Jerusalem, an angry mob seized the Apostle Paul, dragged him away, and began beating him to death.  Their actions were based on an assumption.  “They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area”(Acts 21:29). Paul had not, but when certain men stated their assumption as fact, an ensuing riot led to Paul’s eventual arrest. “The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with chains…When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great, he had to be carried by the soldiers.  The crowd that followed kept shouting, ‘Away with him!’”(Acts 21:33-36).

Few people make the effort to make sure of the facts.  Instead, they often base their actions and their attitudes on assumptions—their own or someone else’s.  Take time to get the truth, and you’ll spare lots of people lots of trouble.

Don’t assume.  But if you must, assume the best.
Then you’ll bray the least.