4:312 – I Think They Meant…

#faithbites #faithjourney meant

Setting

I recently heard someone speak and could have sworn I knew exactly what they meant. I felt it was a slam against me but I wasn’t sure. (I have to check with people as my brain lies to me sometimes). I went to a third party person and asked for help clarifying. His first response, wasn’t about the person’s intent, but why I thought that person meant that. It wasn’t about what the person said, but why I interpreted it that way. As the conversation progressed, I realized that it was me, the person didn’t mean it that way, and I’m making judgement calls based on what I think I know rather than what is true.

Today’s Questions: We often say impact maters not intent, but how do you reconcile that? How to you know what God means when we says things? What can we do to ensure we know that’s the truth?

Scripture

• 1 Corinthians 2:11 – No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.
• Jeremiah 9:23 – 24 – Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

Reflection

When we have hurt feelings or are in a fight, how did our parent’s and teachers tell us to handle it? For me, most say, talk to the person and get to the bottom of it. I’m not naïve enough to think that all problems can be solved that easily, my many can. In our case, the answer to knowing what that person meant or what God means, is to ask them. That’s it. Just ask. 1 Corinthians tells us that we can’t know someone’s thoughts, only they can. We have to be strong enough to ask them. I know it’s hard and awkward but without direct communication, we are just guessing and assuming. (We all know what happens when we assume).

As to God, the same applies. First he tells us what he means (Jeremiah) and he tells us to come to him. When we pray, he makes clear our path.

As I think about this, I wonder how much easier things would be if we just talked more and guessed less. As we close, remember to try not to read into things or infer too much. Ask, question respectfully, and then decide.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being clear, open, and direct in what you want us to do. We pray that you remind us you are the way, the truth, and the light and we just need to come to you for answers. Lord, help us to be open and talk to people when we don’t understand what they mean. Let our words be clear, our hearts open, and our minds ready to work. We pray this in your name, Amen.