By Staff Writer, Matt Osborne The 2009 movie, The Blind Side, captivated audiences with its storyline centered around Michael Oher, a young man who spent much of his childhood living in foster care and on the streets. In the movie, which proclaims to be “based off a true story,” Oher is eventually taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a local couple that sees Oher’s needs, and decides to adopt him into their family. Oher eventually goes on to become a high school football star and is recruited by many of the top colleges in the nation, ultimately deciding to play for Ole Miss, Sean, and Leigh Anne’s alma mater. While the film is undoubtedly a feel-good story that invokes many positive emotions, it appears that the real-life situation involving Oher and the Tuohys may not have been as happy of an outcome. Oher recently filed a lawsuit against the Tuohys, alleging that the family tricked him into signing documents for a conservatorship, giving them legal rights to make business deals in his name. His case claims that the Tuohys generated millions of dollars of profit off of his story, while Oher himself received no financial compensation. In response, the Tuohys’ attorney has stated that the family has divided the money equally with Oher and that the family’s concern and embracing of Oher was out of unconditional love, and not the desire for financial gain. While it's unfortunate to see things between Oher and the Tuohys reach the point of taking legal action, it's not uncommon for stories such as this to be in the news. Countless times we've witnessed two sides of a situation that adamantly claim they're in the right, and can prove it with evidence. As much as I enjoy the movie, I must acknowledge that I don't know the facts of the case. Since I'm not privy to the personal interactions between Oher and the Tuohys, I'd be irresponsible to jump to a conclusion concerning the current allegations. This is one of the major temptations we all face in our current social climate: quickly jumping to conclusions before we know all of the details. There have been numerous cases in the past where public opinion has quickly condemned or acquitted an individual, only to find out later that the initial assessment was incorrect. As followers of Jesus who live our lives in this broken world, we regularly find ourselves hearing of situations where two sides are taking conflicting stances about what allegedly took place in a given instance. When those times come, we must look to Scripture for wisdom on how to respond in a God-honoring manner. Proverbs 18:17 (ESV) says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” We must always remember that there are two sides to every story. If we desire true justice to take place, it means we'll have to take the time to diligently look into the facts of a dispute instead of hastily jumping to a conclusion. Unfortunately, many people often hear rumors or gossip and jump to the conclusion that the information they're hearing is true. And while the information could be accurate, we also know from experience that many of the things we hear are either false or heavily skewed. Scripture clearly tells us to avoid gossip as Proverbs 20:19 (NIV) states, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” We can also make the mistake of jumping to conclusions when we're evaluating other people’s motives and intentions. Though we're called to confront clear issues of sins with sufficient evidence, we're also cautioned against assigning motives and intentions to the actions of others when we don't assuredly know why something happened. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NASB) tells us, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God.” All of this information is intended to point us to personal reflection. Are we too quick to jump to conclusions on matters that haven't been given proper time and attention to assess thoroughly? Do we blindly accept gossip as truth without taking the time to look into the details, if necessary? Do we ascribe intentions and motivations to other people, when we don’t have an accurate assessment of what's going on in their hearts? Today, let’s resolve to be people who don't jump to conclusions quickly. Let's exercise patience and wisdom in taking the time to seek the truth on pertinent matters, while also demonstrating discretion and trust in leaving the judgments of the heart to the Lord. I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God of justice who will one day make all things right. Please help me to humbly acknowledge I don't know all things, so I don't jump to conclusions on matters that haven't been thoroughly established, and judge the intentions of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. Why do you think you face the temptation to make assessments on matters before knowing all of the facts? 2. What are some practical steps you can take to avoid judging the intentions and motives of others?
Comments