Jumping to Conclusions

As the story goes, a lady invited several friends to a mushroom and steak dinner. When the maid opened the can of mushrooms, she discovered a slight scum on the surface. Since the guests were expected shortly and there was no time to run to the market for another can, the mistress of the house suggested, “Give the dog a few, and if he eats them, they are probably all right.” The dog liked them and begged for more, so the dinner was completed and served.

After the main course, the maid came in to serve the desert, but her face was ashen white. She whispered in her employer’s ear, “Ma’am, the dog is dead.” Immediately the guests were informed of what had happened, and the dinner party dismissed to the local hospital.

Sometime later, as the guests were reclining after the use of the stomach pump, the mistress called home. “Where’s the dog now?” she demanded of her maid. “Out on the front steps, ma’am,” came the reply, “right where he fell after the car hit him!”

It doesn’t pay to jump to conclusions.

Things are not always what they appear to be on the surface. First impressions may be lasting, but they are not necessarily accurate. Conclusions should be drawn after careful evaluation, and not made in haste. This is especially true with regard to people.

It is not wise to always think the worst of people. We should not be quick to form opinions. Jesus urged His disciples, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Get the facts before drawing conclusions.

There is a tendency, especially in the media, to paint religious folks in an unfavorable light. We are often portrayed as bigoted, mean spirited, and uncaring. The portrayal is inaccurate, but nonetheless, widely accepted.

Before you draw conclusions about the churches of Christ, visit our services, ask questions, and get to know us. I think you will be pleasingly surprised.

Please accept this as our personal invitation to worship with us this Sunday.