Speculation: Opinions Without Evidence
Speculation dresses opinion up as fact. This article considers why believers are called to speak truth rather than spread theories, and how we can rest in God's perfect knowledge instead of guessing at what He has not revealed.
Opinions are not facts
Speculation is forming an opinion from little or no evidence and so has no factual basis. (This is contrasted with predicting an outcome or event after analysing factually verified data, often based on patterns, evidence, or previous knowledge.)
Many people have strong views and are keen to spread their ideas and theories, yet we need to ascertain what is truth and what is a fabrication or merely a projection of their thoughts. Although conspiracy theories often have a measure of truth, they can be fuelled by gossip to spread sensational rumours.
Views and opinion are not fact
Yet as believers we should be known as speakers of truth, not the spreaders of lies; otherwise, when the real facts emerge, our narrative may be discredited as just more fabrication.
Take every thought captive
Regarding spiritual matters — and in fact issues of morality and common sense — the Bible is our source of wisdom and accuracy. The Bereans set the pattern here, being commended for receiving the message with great eagerness and “searching the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Act 17:11). The Bible counsels us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient [conform] to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Otherwise we can get into unhealthy and useless thought patterns, discussions and controversies which are a waste of time and divert our attention away from our responsibility of living for Christ (1 Tim 1:4; 2 Tim 2:23).
Guard your heart and mind as they direct your steps
Our faith is to be based on the foundation of truth, not on the multitude of differing opinions and ideas, believing whatever sounds best. A time is coming when people “will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires… they will heap up for themselves teachers… having itching ears” (2 Tim 4:3).
We are to guard our hearts and minds, thinking about what is true, pure and praiseworthy (Prov 4:23; Phil 4:8). What we dwell on shapes what we believe, what we say and ultimately how we live.
Only God knows the timing:
While the rapture (when believers will be taken to heaven) is a fact, the actual timing is known only to God, although there have been various ideas presented as to when this will take place (Mt 25:13, 24:36; Act 1:7). God has everything worked out as He is all-knowing (omniscient) and as He is also all-powerful (omnipotent) will bring it about in His timing. He also knows who will be in heaven and those who will not.
Trust God's perfect timing
Rather than speculating about dates and details God has not revealed, we are simply to be ready, watching and faithfully serving until He comes. There are indeed indicators of the times, but it is far more beneficial to get on with our duty of winning the lost and to leave God to do what He is more than capable of doing.
Reflection and Application:
- Test what you hear against Scripture before accepting or repeating it.
- Refuse to pass on unverified reports, rumours or conspiracy theories.
- Take captive unhelpful thoughts and replace them with what is true and praiseworthy.
- Trust God's timing for future events rather than setting dates of your own.