"Perception is Reality" is a Very Foolish Statement

How many times have you heard someone say "perception is reality?" The fact is that "perception" is merely a lens through which we see the world, ourselves and others; BUT "reality" is the true state of things. The statement "perception is reality" is just NOT true and is actually very foolish! Truth is truth, no matter what one's perception may be!

Consider a few examples: A building may be perceived as structurally sound; but in reality, it may have a weak foundation. A sports car may be perceived as fast, but what if there were no engine under the hood? A stone may be perceived as a diamond, but it may be a cubic zirconia. Handguns are often perceived to empty, but there is often a round in the chamber. On April 10, 1912, the Titanic was perceived to be unsinkable; but on April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank! A person may be perceived as religious, but his heart may be wicked. There is no question that perception is NOT always the reality, unless the truth has been properly perceived.

Consider these biblical illustrations: Perception initially kept the Israelites from conquering the Promised Land, because they didn't believe the reality (truth) that God would defeat the giants. Perception could have kept David from battling Goliath, but he knew the reality; that God gives the victory. Perception caused Gideon to want a big army, but the reality; was that that his small army easily defeated the Midianites. Perception almost kept Jesse from presenting David to be anointed King, but Samuel made clear the reality that...man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7.

Jesus also addressed this idea of "perception vs. reality" as He called-out the Pharisees in Matthew 23,"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." My wife and I have seen those huge, ornate sepulchers (tombs) in Israel. They perception is that they are ornate and beautiful; but the reality is they are filled with the stench of death!

The concept of "real vs. fake" or "perception vs. reality" was a lesson that Jesus drove home repeatedly. In Matt. 13:24-30, He taught this lesson with the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. In Matt. 7:15, He said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." In Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira lied and they died. They wanted people to believe something about them that was not true... they were giving a false perception. The culmination of Jesus' warnings of "real vs. fake" comes in Matt. 7:21-23. "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” The Bible warns over and over and over again, that many are not what they seem to be on the outside. Take comfort or warning that the day of judgment is coming and the truth will be revealed.

If these passages haven't convinced you that "perception is NOT reality," then let me close with a few final thoughts. The religious crowds (the church folks of the day), perceived Jesus to be the son of Mary & Joseph, but Jesus was the Son of God. They perceived Jesus to be a knowledgeable religious teacher; but He was omniscient. They perceived Jesus to be a simple human, but He was the Creator Who took on the form of His creation. They perceived Jesus to be a blasphemer, but He was the Great I AM! They perceived there are many ways to heaven; but Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father except through Me."

So, is your relationship with Jesus Christ merely a perception, or a reality? Man may look on the outward appearance, but God knows our true heart. Let's make sure our heart is right with God.

Rejoice When Your Faith is Tested

I love the Book of James, and especially the first chapter.  Everyone will experience trials of some kind during their lifetime. For some, the trials will knock them out of church and sideline them from serving. For others, they will use the trial as a stepping stone to help them reach the greater things that God is trying to prepare them for.  James instructs us to "...count it all joy when we fall into various trials." That statement sounds ridiculous; but James realized that trials strengthen our dependence upon the Lord. Someone once said that "Without a great test, there can never be a great testimony." The key word here is "test." It is important to realize that God will test our faith, but God will never tempt us to sin as James explains in James 1:13.

James also teaches us that the testing of our faith works patience or endurance. It is through these times of growth that our faith matures and we see God in a whole different perspective. It's one thing to trust God when everything is going well; but it's another to trust Him on our difficult days and in the middle of difficult circumstances. Bible stories like Joseph, who was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten; will bring great joy when we see that it was through his testing that God positioned and prepared him to be a great leader. Abraham's faith was tested when he laid Isaac on the altar and raised the dagger. Job's faith was tested when he lost all that he had, but he refused to curse God. Daniel's faith was tested when he refused to bow down and was tossed into the lions' den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had their faith tested when the door of the furnace was opened and the guards prepared to throw them into the fire. In each of these tests, the individuals passed the test and God poured out His blessings upon them. 

I will quickly admit that I've not passed every test. In fact, no one has. Life is full of adversity and we can either quit when we fail or learn from, rise up and build after a failure.  John Maxwell appropriately titled one of his books, "Failing Forward."  I encourage you to begin recognizing life's trials as tests of your faith. In addition, begin to realize that others are watching how you respond and your response will reveal what you really believe about Christ. My goal is to continue growing and maturing to the point that when others see me, they see a clear representation of Jesus in both the good times and in the difficult times. I don't like to be tested, but I sure do like to know God is pleased with me when I pass the test!

One of my favorite "old" songs about trials and times of testing is titled "REJOICE IN THE LORD" by Ron Hamilton. If you did not initially recognize the name, Ron Hamilton, you may recognize his alias - "Patch the Pirate." It was through the trial of losing his eye to cancer that God tested Ron and prepared him for an amazing ministry that would be launched by using his new eye patch. Click to hear Ron's testimony & the song. "REJOICE IN THE LORD" by Ron Hamilton. 

Don't Let Past Mistakes Define You

I am a guy who always pulls for the "underdog" and I believe in second chances. Recently, my heart just about came out of my chest as I had a conversation with a man who many "wrote-off," but God did not. The man is a good man, a godly man, a family man, and a humbled man. He was the rising star in two previous church settings, before he made a mistake that nearly cost him his family. He stepped out of ministry for a few years in order to regroup, and then God opened the door for him to serve as a pastor, again. He is doing a great job revitalizing a church, his marriage is strong, his children are serving the Lord and he is a trophy of God's grace! My heart goes out to people like this, because "Christians" can be so critical and judgmental. I remember meeting with this man several years ago for breakfast at the local Shoney's. I wanted to encourage him, but instead he encouraged me.  He made a statement that I think might be an encouragement to you. He said, "I can't let a mistake in my past define who I am or the future I will have." What a great thought!

What about you, are you allowing your past mistakes to define you? Are you still believing the cruel father who called you "stupid?" Are you allowing yourself to be defined by a past addiction? Are you going to quit, because someone says you're finished? Well, if so, you haven't read the Bible. God is the God of the second chance! David had an affair with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, but God calls him a man after his own heart. Rahab was a prostitute, but she also saved the spies and had a rich lineage. Samson spilled his guts to Delilah, but he also spilled the guts of many Philistines.

We will all make mistakes, but what will we do with our mistakes? Some fools will choose to repeat their mistakes (2nd time it is a choice!). Some will use their mistake as their "excuse" for the rest of their lives. Others will get up, dust themselves off, learn from the mistakes, and go make a difference that will impact eternity. So, what about you? Don't let your mistakes define who you are, or limit the future God wants you to have. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I leave you with the promise found in 1 John 1:9 - " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Ask God to forgive your past mistakes... forgive yourself for your past mistakes... and get moving toward the plans and dreams God has in store for your future.