By Rae Lynn DeAngelis

Years ago, there was a popular television program called Dragnet. The show’s detective, Joe Friday, became famous for coining the phrase, “Just the facts ma’am.”  It was his way of keeping the witness focused on the facts, rather than circumstantial evidence surrounding the case.

Emotions can lead us down a path of chasing after feelings rather than cold hard facts. My husband frequently reminds me that I need to get my feelings off my shoulders. He can sense when emotions are clouding my judgment and is quick to point me back to the reality of a situation.

I believe one of the reasons God designed marriage for a man and a woman is to help us become more objective. Men and women are different in many ways. Women can benefit from the balance of a man’s straightforward, no nonsense approach, and men can benefit from the balance of a women’s keen ability to read between the lines and determine the deeper issue at hand.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

I definitely need to focus more on the facts rather than my feelings. My feelings are often deceptive and lead me astray. When I am unsure of how to handle a situation, I need to first review all the facts. I must ask myself, what do I know to be true in this situation and what am I projecting with my emotions? Focusing on the facts (that which we know to be true) can help us sort through any emotions that may be muddying the waters. We can then discard any assumptions based on emotions alone. This helps us view the situation more clearly.

Paul has some great advice for keeping our focus where it needs to be:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Careful meditation on the facts is an effective tool for keeping our hearts and minds focused on truth, but we’re not alone. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and He will lead us into all truth (John 16:13).

Keep the focus where it needs to be…  just the facts, ma’am!

“Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me.” (Psalm 43:3)