Acts 28:1-10
Do you ever jump to conclusions and then find out after the fact that you're wrong? Yeah, me too, and it makes me feel stupid, not to mention, irritated after the fact. So seeing the Maltese people jump to wrong conclusions twice in Acts 28:1-10 (Paul must be a murderer and then Paul must be a god) was a good reminder to me about the importance of not relying on my own understanding.
So what are some things we can do to help us stop jumping to our own conclusions? How can we make sure we're approaching our day with the mind of Christ rather than the mind of ________ (put your name here)? Tami W.
This passage reminds me of being a fan of the local professional football team. The quarterback can go from being a "hero" to a "zero" in the blink of an eye. One minute Paul is a "murderer" the next minute he is a "god." Neither assessment was correct.
For me one of the keys it to understand that my judgment isn't important so there's no reason to get worked up over it. God's judgment is the only one that matters and he sees things from an infinite perspective.
First, I think we need to realize that we're even jumping to our own conclusions! Once we truly acknowledge that, then we can be open to God's thinking through prayer, reading the Word, etc. Also, in our quiet times at the beginning of the day or during the day, we can meditate on His truth that we 'have the mind of Christ' and be diligent to seek out His thoughts on situations before us. 'Lord, what are your thoughts on this?'
Agreeing with RBM and Alexis, I would also add that we need to pray for God's wisdom. As the saying goes, "Let go and let God".
We are instructed to judge by the Word of God (John 7:24 and 1 Cor 6:2-3). So for us it is not that we do not judge but that we apply the correct lens when viewing situations. The correct lens is obviously through God's eyes and we have the life of Jesus and the testimonies of so many people in the bible to guide us as to how to think. We therefore need to start our days correctly in the right frame of mind so that we will be able to always have the correct viewpoint when viewing situations. We need to put on the whole armour of God, which means daily devotions, bible study and prayers and regular fellowship with Christians.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Eph 6:11
Tami, it is so true what you have said in your opening remarks. I too feel very stupid and upset at myself when I jump to my own conclusions. When others do it, I am quick to tell them not to judge anyone because that is for our Lord to do. For some reason, I seem to forget when it comes to "Joan's mind". I do ask for God's forgiveness but I find it happens too often. Effective today and in my early morning meditations I will ask daily for the Lord to guide me not to jump to my own conclusions but to seek His way. It is good to ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?"