Confusion!

When people have their minds made up about something, they often wish to not be confused by the FACTS. Based on their own perceptions (or misperceptions) they launch into actions that tend to create further confusion that can include others. Living around us are many who have accepted misinformation (even outright lies) and refuse to listen to the FACTS. This affects the way they vote, live their lives, and often feeds their refusal to accept the Will of God.

When Paul went to Jerusalem -- even though it had been prophesied that "imprisonment and afflictions" awaited him ( Acts 20:23 ESV) -- some who saw him in the temple stirred up the crowd and laid their hands on him. As Paul was declared to have gone teaching everywhere against the law and the temple there was also the serious accusation that he had "even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." ( Acts 21:28 ESV) What evidence was that accusation based upon?

We read. . .
"(29) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and THEY SUPPOSED THAT PAUL HAD BROUGHT HIM INTO THE TEMPLE." ( Acts 21:29 ESV)

This supposition stirred up the city, causing the people to run together and drag Paul out of the temple ( Acts 21:30), reaching a state of chaos to the point Roman officials caught wind that "all Jerusalem was in confusion." ( Acts 21:31) Confusion and disorder often arise when actions are based on assumptions instead of FACTS. Have we not found ourselves there at times? On this occasion there was so much confusion that the crowd's stories did not even match as the Roman official attempted to inquire into what Paul had done. ( Acts 21:34)

We need to be careful with assumptions. They can lead us to improperly treat others. Assumptions can cause us to judge others and their situations without knowing the FACTS. Assumptions can also lead us to suppose God thinks differently than He does. (i.e. Psalm 50:21) When assumptions are made and the FACTS are ignored, others get hurt, we are misled, and God is not glorified.

Let us recognize the importance of truth in all situations and when we are unsure, let us kindly and mercifully give the benefit of the doubt as we seek to know the FACTS as they truly are! The FACT remains that the measure we use will be measured to us as well. ( Matthew 7:2) May we not be party to confusion!

Have a great day LIVING IN AN UNDERSTANDING MANNER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Truth