An earlier article by Liz Cope included the following comments and if you want to read them in context look at 31 October 2022.
“We do this every day – make assumptions, consciously and unconsciously. It is not something we can prevent, but what we can do is recognise when it is happening and try to question ourselves about the assumptions and decisions we make.”
“Take a moment to think where you might have made incorrect assumptions about someone. When you next have to make a decision that involves someone else, take time and think prayerfully”
As I read those two paragraphs, I was reminded of an old saying, “If the cap fits, wear it”.
It was in the late 1960s that I was working in a large office in Colchester and two members of staff were transferred in on the same day. As they entered the area where I was working, I immediately liked one and not the other. I later learned they were equally qualified, and my judgement was based solely on the way they walked towards me.
Later, in my career, I was transferred to a large office in Ipswich and both men were holding senior roles. Both were equally welcoming, and it was only later that the man I “disliked” was responsible for taking me to a management meeting. To avoid me travelling home and back he invited me to his home, introduced me to his wife and family and made me so welcome that I was reminded of my unfair bias from years earlier.
This, sadly, is one of many instances when my first impressions were based on wrong assumptions and the article, referred to above, also reminded me of Jesus’ words in Luke 6:37 Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Perhaps, what is even more challenging is our reaction as people come to our church for the first time, whether as a preacher or to join the congregation.
PRAYER. Heavenly Father, we ask that you enable us to meet and greet people without bias or assumptions but with the same love that you demonstrated to us. AMEN