We Think We Do… But We Don’t

Friday, November 18, 2022

We Think We Do…But We Don’t
By: Pastor Todd Crofford

 
It’s easy to see what other people do. It is much, much harder to understand why. Motivations are tricky; so tricky it is hard to even unpack our own motivations for our words and actions. So do we think we can easily figure out why others do what they do?

I can only speak for myself, but I too easily attribute bad motivations to another’s actions.

“They just did that to get back at me. “
“He was thinking only of himself.”
“She did that for the glory.”
“They didn’t forget, they disrespected me.”

Assuming we know it all when it comes to motivations is a form of trying to take God’s place.  Only God truly knows the heart of men and women.  We think we do- but we don’t.  

A few years ago, I heard a great principle–it is that we should assume noble intent.  It means we should presume that the action another person took was for the right reasons- even if it turns out wrong.

The Bible tells us,  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) True humility and gentleness gives the benefit of the doubt to others. It assumes noble intent and even helps the very best in others to come to the surface.