Assuming Can Twist Thinking – Abide in the Vine

To straighten out twisted thinking, former procrastinators, we need to realize we have it. It takes humility to recognize that what I think needs revision.  It takes humility to ask forgiveness, get the facts, submit to a revamp of knowledge, words, and action.  God has wisely given us brains that can learn and change.  What a gift!

Twisted or faulty thinking loosens my hold on the Vine.  If I cherish wrong thinking, I could thwart my growth. The way a kink in a twisted garden hose blocks the flow of water, a twist in my thinking blocks the flow of truth and grace that I need to interact well with others or make decisions in my life. It brings to mind “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  James 4:6

Twisted thinking is often based on assumptions.  We should verify, ask questions.  What do you mean by that?  Where are you coming from when you make that statement?  Do I understand correctly that…?

Here are some types of assumptions that can twist our thinking:

Automatically assuming ill will in a situation.  Especially with husband and kids.  Love and Respect taught “assume good will.”

Assuming trustworthiness.  Pause, seek discernment before sharing.

Assume I already know all there is to know.  If we’re close to someone, we may not want to learn they were in error. We call something insignificant that is actually a problem.  We can’t fathom difficult truth in the life of our friend or child.  We could also assume the negative and fail to give credit where it is due. 

Assume information is accurate.  Pause until you can verify.

Assume others’ experiences will be yours.  A man was assigned to work with someone considered difficult.  People warned him, expressing concern.  His attitude was “I have no experience with him; therefore, I have no reason to project other people’s bad experiences onto my relationship with him.  I’m going into this expecting good.”  And it was good.

Assuming /Projecting    I want something to be true of someone so I project that characteristic onto him.  I read into simple actions more positive/negative meaning than actually exists.  “He sang the songs in church.  He must be a devoted believer!”  “He held the door for me.  He must be interested!”  Or, the negative version, “He hasn’t read my report. He’s going to fire me.”  We delude ourselves.  Wait for truth.

Assuming a job is going to be easy/hard.                                                                

Assuming I have time I do not.

Assuming something’s gone wrong in our friendship.  Ask.

Assuming all is well in our friendship.  Keep short accounts with forgiveness. Ask.

Assuming my understanding is the only way things can be. No, the possibilities are many.

Falling into assumption can create twisted thinking. Patience and fact-seeking can relieve many situations and help us develop discernment.

“Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

What are you assuming that might need correction?