We make many assumptions as we go about our days. Most of these are not a big deal if they do not turn out as we have assumed. Our battery may be dead, our TV show may not have recorded as we intended, but we will live.
But when it comes to assumptions in the spiritual realm there are much more serious ramifications. Our souls are at stake!
The Jews of Jesus’ day assumed that since they were the descendants of Abraham they were acceptable to God. John and Jesus both try to blow apart this assumption, by teaching them their need to repent and enter the Kingdom of Christ (Luke 3:7-9; John 8:33-35).
Here are 7 Uncertain Assumptions You May Be Making:
- I am better than them. The Apostles of Jesus were guilty of this assumption. James and John wanted to bring fire down on the Samaritans, while Peter avoided table fellowship with Gentiles in the early church. The root problem is arrogance or pride. The sin we commit is one of partiality and turns people away from the message of Jesus, when we assume we are better then them!
- God wants me to be happy. Many view God as a personal genie seeking to grant their wishes. Our happiness is tied to our feelings and emotions, which are constantly changing depending on circumstances. God desires our obedience and holiness. He wants us to be a representation of Him in this dark world (Rom. 8:28; 1 Peter 1:14-19).
- God made me this way, He will not hold me accountable. This assumption is used as a rationalization or excuse for all types of sins. People say this about their temper, sexuality, drug addictions, and language. God created us pure (Ezekiel 28:15; Mat. 18:3). We sin when we are drawn away by our own desires and enticed (James 1:14-15). Jesus teaches us all to repent (Luke 13:3).
- No one will ever see or know. This assumption has been proved false over and over, yet Satan deceives people into believing they can partake in private sin and no one will know. Whether it is our online life, our perceived privacy on our phones, or activities on vacation at a distant place; we must remember our sins will find us out (Rom. 14:7; Nm. 32:23).
- I have plenty of time. This is a huge assumption, we all make on a regular basis. We assume we have plenty of time to teach our kids about Jesus. We have plenty of time to mend struggling relationships. We have plenty of time to get our soul right with the Lord. Yet the Bible teaches us differently (2 Cor. 6:2; 1 Peter 1:24; James 4:13-16). Our own experiences have shown this to be a false assumption as we have lost friends and family members suddenly.
- I am too young, or I am too old. At times both of these are valid and true, but they must not become excuses. In a society that is delaying adulthood, youth is used as an excuse to delay maturity and responsibility. On the other end of the perspective, we should never retire from the Lord, or think we do not have anything to contribute. Wisdom and age are esteemed in Scripture over physical prowess.
- Good people are saved. We are not the judge, but this false doctrine is widespread. This cheapens God’s grace, strips the blood of Christ of its power, and destroys the need to live a live of faithful obedience (Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:14-26). This assumption must be corrected with a conviction in ones’ heart that they are lost without the saving gospel of Jesus (Rom. 1:16).
