Don't Just Assume
Linda Soller | Jan 20, 2025
Assumptions are basically things you decide or think without having actual proof or facts to support your belief. Sometimes we assume based on what we see. Other times we assume based on a previous experience. There are even times we assume based on what someone else says. As we go into the new year it seems a good time to address some of these assumptions.
Let’s deal with making assumptions on what we see. We could ask ourselves what would a person assume about our congregation and church by just observing? They would see a lovely old stone building, with a good size addition off the back. They would see people coming and going, mostly on Sunday, sometimes during the week. What assumptions might they make? If they came in the door for a Sunday service, what would they see? This is a bit more difficult. They might observe the number of people attending and for some the number would be okay and maybe not okay for others. Would they see smiles? Would they see people greeting others? Would they see adults attending Bible Study classes? I think they would see all those things, which is good. But we can’t control the assumptions they would make as a result.
I decided at one point to let my hair go grey. It was the smartest thing I had done in a long time. When I made the decision, I was well aware some people who saw me might make inaccurate assumptions simply because of the color of my hair. When I regularly attended yoga class I would see others in my class and be surprised at how limber they were, how graceful, or how strong. I was making assumptions based personal appearances, not on knowing the people. It’s easy to make inaccurate assumptions.
As we move forward in discovering our church’s missions, and in our search for our new pastor, let’s not rush by making assumptions based only on what we see. At the same time, we must remember that there will always be those who make assumptions about us based on what they see. We need to be sure they see God through us. I assume you already knew that. But a little reminder never hurts.
Be strong in the Lord and be kind!
Linda
