A woman walks into a party, already a bit nervous for no reason other than insecurity. Within a few seconds inside, she observes a small group whispering across the room. One glances her way and then turns back to the others with more whispers.
She wants to leave. “They don’t like me. I knew this was a mistake to come…,” she thinks to herself.
Perception.
The woman in this story doesn’t know why the others were whispering. But she perceives it has something to do with her. What she doesn’t know is there is one in the group who just received a disturbing phone call and is seeking advise from friends. The glance was simply a natural look across the room after hearing a door open. Nothing more.
Perception is the act of coming to a conclusion based on the senses or the mind and it can be a killer to those who are prey to insecurities or who simply lack wisdom and knowledge.
You might be familiar with other words that describe this, such as awareness, observation, impression, or discernment.
The truth is: PERCEPTION IS INDIVIDUAL.
- Every person fuels or controls their own perception.
- It is fueled or controlled by what the person has allowed in their thoughts and heart.
- It can kill you or save you.
Let me give you some examples. In Obadiah 1:7, we read, “All the men in your confederacy shall force you to the border; The men at peace with you shall deceive you and prevail against you. Those who eat your bread shall lay a trap for you. No one is aware of it.”
To be aware means to be alert and discerning–which is a form of perception. The Bible says Jesus often discerned the thoughts of others. The best example is found in Mark, Chapter 8, after the feeding of the four thousand. Jesus said to his disciples, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?” (Mark 8:15-18).
This is the perfect scenario to help us understand perception.
- The disciples formed an opinion based on lack of information. (People do this every day.)
- Jesus recognized what they were thinking. (We have been given the same ability through the Holy Spirit.)
- The perception of the disciples revealed their lack of knowledge.
- The perception of Jesus revealed truth.
YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN PERCEPTION BY WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR FILTER.
Jesus was the Word made flesh. You and I can be flesh containers of the Word also. Then, having eyes, we will see— and having ears, we will hear. See what? Hear what? The truth.
But if we fall short of putting God’s Word within our hearts, our perception will be full of lies and compromises that only feel like the truth. And feelings (without truth) are dangerous.
I encourage you to always evaluate your thoughts and feelings carefully. Ask yourself, is what I’m perceiving based on God’s Word? If you can’t answer that quickly, then ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Correct perception (and discernment) can help you and others– but your lack of can be dangerous.
