“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV
“Presumption is accepting as fact what may have no basis in truth.”
My thoughts today are about the “danger of presumption.”
Presumption can be dangerous; I like to think that I am a somewhat intelligent and capable person. It seems therefore realistic to presume that I ought to be able to do some handyman jobs around the house for my wife – with some reasonable level of skill, and done in a reasonable measure of time. Famous last words at Home Depot, “You can do this; anyone can!” Trust me, however; that misguided presumption often does not come anywhere close to being consistent with my reality – wrong tools, all thumbs, and unable to follow instructions, or even understand them!
Presumption is accepting as fact what may have no real basis in truth. Yet people do that all the time; maybe presuming they are safe when unknown to them, danger is lurking. Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. With every lost opportunity, an individual may presume there will be plenty more that come along, as good if not better than the last. How is that working out for you? Let me suggest some baseline things you dare not presume.
Don’t presume you know it all; seek God’s wisdom. You will never know all you need to know about life; God does. Why not ask His counsel and direction every time. See James 1:2-8 NIV.
Don’t presume you can do life on your own; include God. When Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself,” it shouldn’t be surprising that He says to you, “Without Me you can do nothing.” John 5:19/15:5 NKJV. Why would you want to try living a day without Jesus?
My concern in this matter is the potentially serious consequence presumption can have in your spiritual life. It is presumptuous to think you can do wrong and somehow avoid the natural, relational, and spiritual consequences of your wrongdoing. The apostle Paul reminded his readers of the failures of many of those who went before them, warning, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful for you too may fall into sin.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT. You are clearly warned not to presume anything where you cannot afford to be wrong. Don’t assume; confirm.
Don’t presume on tomorrow; live today with eternity in view. “You do not know what will happen tomorrow.” Read James 4:13-17 NLT. People presume they have plenty of time to prepare for eternity, only to find their time can run out unexpectedly. You probably will not receive the heads up Hezekiah received, “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.” 2 Kings 20:1 NKJV. Now, that would get my attention!
Don’t presume you are saved; know that you are. Of this you must be certain. “God has given us eternal life and this life is in His son. He who has the son has life; he that does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:11-13 NIV. This is the one matter where certainty is essential.
My prayer for you today is that you know what you know is God’s truth.