How To Avoid The Mistakes Of Acting On Partial Information

It is always amazing to see how many people act when they only know a small percentage of the facts. Many people are buying and selling hot internet stocks today on any wind of information that comes their way.

One of the great things about acting on Christ’s truth is that we are acting on the 100% fact. By presuming that we know more than we do we may be liable to making many mistakes that will follow us for the rest of our life. The following are a few humble principles that can help you avoid the mistake of acting of partial information.

1. Only God knows all of the facts. When we presume to make judgment about people we are forgetting that only God is in possession of all the information. The Lord alone has the right and the ability to make a completely just evaluation. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why Jesus said,

"Do not judge and condemn and criticize others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves." (Matthew 7:1,2 - Amplified Bible)

Application: When people are serving God they should be careful not to try to play the role of God.

2. A little knowledge can be dangerous if used wrongly. Paul writes to the Corinthians, "We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God." (I Cor. 8:1-3)

There are always plenty of things we are yet to learn, if we are humble enough to admit it. Instead, we should concentrate on loving people as Jesus did.

3. Basing judgments on partial facts can get one in trouble. Paul writes to the Roman Christians, "Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." (Rom. 14:12,13)

Everyone will be held accountable for their faulty decisions based on partial information.

4. Do not be hasty to make decisions until all the facts are on the table. Solomon writes, "A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor." (Proverbs 17:18)

By entering into decisions without all of the facts you may be entering into a trap that will be difficult to escape.

5. Ask help from Godly counselors for additional wisdom and information. Solomon once wrote to his son, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15 :22)

Not only do Godly counselors give you more information, but they may add valuable perspective to facts you are already aware of.

6. Consider all of the possible problems of acting without the complete picture of truth. Solomon warned his son, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (Proverbs 22:3)

A wise person diligently researches all of the possible outcomes before entering into a contract with someone.

7. Read, study and apply the wisdom of great teachers. Solomon wrote, "Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all ofthem ready on your lips." (Proverbs 22:17,18)

People who are too lazy to read and study what other wise men have learned are apt to repeat previous mistakes made in history.

8. Pay attention to the words of your Father and Mother. Your biological and spiritual parents know you well. Listen to the wise words of Solomon who taught his son, "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. But the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." (Proverbs 23 :22,23)

By consulting with Godly parents we have the advantage of connecting with the teachers that God gave us from birth. Who are we to discount our most influential human teachers.

9. Ask the Spirit to guide you into all truth. Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)

Application: Take advantage ofthe Spirit’s ability to lead you by the supernatural truth that comes from God’s own mind.