Our thoughts flow downhill like water. If we aren’t aware of what we are thinking, our thoughts wander, leading us down windy ways through dark woods. We lose perspective; we start speculating; we come to terrible conclusions in about seven seconds. The Scripture urging us to "take every thought captive to Christ” is vital (2 Corinthians 10:5). What we think matters; our thoughts and imagination pave the way for our beliefs, and then our actions are soon to follow. 

I know I’m not alone in giving way to speculation. But I want to mature in this area, to grow up. Don’t you? 

What I’ve learned the hard way is first of all not to judge motives. You don’t really know another’s motives. You can speculate, but you don’t know why he didn’t call. You don’t know why they forgot to invite you to the party. When we assume motives we usually assume bad motives — right? You’re already mad before he walks in the door; you’re already hurt before something is actually said; yet nine times out of ten there isn’t a real reason behind it. You jumped to conclusions. You speculated. He didn’t hang up on you — his cell battery died. They didn’t invite you because you told them you were going to be out of town. 

It’s hard, but I’m trying these days to assume the best. Assume their heart is good, and your heart is good.

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