Jumping to Conclusions
Ponder: Do you know? Or do you just suspect? Check the facts!
Scripture: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24 NKJV).
The only exercise some people seem to get is digging for dirt and jumping to conclusions!
When Paul came to Jerusalem (Acts 21), unbelieving Jews sought any excuse to attack him. He had enraged them by teaching such truth as: 1) You can’t be saved through keeping the Law of Moses; 2) Gentiles can be saved without adopting Jewish ways; and 3) Worship no longer centers around the Temple (Acts 21:28). 
Some had seen Paul in the city with Trophimus the Ephesian. They jumped to the false conclusion that Paul had brought this Gentile into the Temple, thus defiling it. Without bothering to check the facts, they formed a mob and would have killed Paul had not the Roman garrison intervened (21:28-32).
Even close friends and kin jump to conclusions about each other. After Israel’s conquest of Canaan, Joshua dismissed the 2½ tribes east of Jordan to go home. On their way, they built a replica of the altar of burnt offering on the bank of the Jordan. Hearing of this, the other tribes jumped to the conclusion that their brethren were establishing a new system of worship to rival the Tabernacle. Armed for battle, they confronted the 2½ tribes with harsh accusations and stern warnings. Fortunately, before engaging in battle, they gave their brethren opportunity to explain.
 The replica of the altar was never intended for sacrifice; it was to remind future generations that the brethren on the east side of the river were one with those on the west side. Maybe in wasn’t the greatest idea, or the best way to accomplish their goal – but it wasn’t sin! Relieved, everyone went back home (Joshua 22:10-34).
Don’t be surprised when folks jump to false conclusions about you. Explain as best you can, and try not to be offended. You’ve probably jumped to a few erroneous conclusions yourself! Speaking of that, put into practice Jesus’ words: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).
Song: “How Sweet, How Heavenly Is The Sight”
Prayer: Father, we have no business being suspicious of each other and jumping to conclusions. Help us, we pray, to think the best of each other unless it is proven otherwise. And even then, help us to correct each other gently but firmly. Through Jesus we pray, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)