A group of soldiers were being taught how to jump from a plane. A new recruit asked, “What if my parachute doesn’t open?” “That,” the instructor replied “is known as jumping to a conclusion.”
Unfortunately, lots of people have the habit of jumping to conclusions before getting all the facts. When we are in a hurry we sometimes think the best thing to do is make a quick decision and get things done. When it’s a minor decision that’s generally a good practice. But when it’s a matter which can harm someone’s reputation or affect someone spiritually if the wrong judgement is made, we need to take time to make sure we have the facts before we proceed.
Proverbs says “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Remember, when the outcome matters, digging for the facts is better exercise than jumping to a conclusion. It may take a little longer, but in the long run it redeems the time.
Rick Grubbs is best known as the host of “Redeeming the Time,” a one-minute radio program featured on hundreds of radio outlets around the world. He has spoken thousands of times on Biblical time management in all 50 states and 26 other countries. He is the author of the book “Morning Momentum: God’s plan for launching an unstoppable day”. He and his wife Carrie live in Salisbury NC with several of their 12 children.
