ASSUMPTIONS

Challenging our assumptions.

Our church website helpfully indicates the themes of our services week by week. I read the title of last Sunday’s service knowing it well as a phrase from the Lord’s Prayer. Then Brenda challenged me to read it again – and instead of reading ‘lead us not into temptation’ as expected, I read what it actually said: ‘lead us into temptation’.

The difference a little word of three letters can make!

I assumed first time that I knew what it would say but assumptions tend to make an: ass - of – u – and - me.

Do we go on first impressions when we meet someone, or when we listen to someone? Have we an answer on our lips before hearing what they are really saying or communicating to us?

Or maybe when we read the Bible, do we think we know what it is going to say to us? Of course we need to hear that and hide the word of God in our hearts and let it influence our lives, characters and actions. But also let us be prepared to be challenged with new insights. An old hymn says: “The Lord has yet more light and truth to break forth from his word.”
 
Another song says:

“Open my eyes Lord that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me ….

Open my ears that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear …

Open my mouth and let me bear tidings of mercy everywhere …

Open my mind that I may read more of Thy love in word and deed  “

(Clara Scott 1841-97)