We have often heard perception is reality. I would like to
take this a little further. Oftentimes a person’s perception, assumption or insinuation
becomes their reality. This reality, or these beliefs may or may not be based
on facts.
These thoughts, which may or may not be based on facts
become harmful when they taint the mind or thoughts of the believer causing
adverse behavior towards others.
We read in Romans14:4 who art thou that judgest another man’s
servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up:
for God is able to make him stand.
How easy it is to make an assumption based on things we see
or hear. On the rare occasion that I am watching the local or national news and
hear a reporter make an assumption that is obviously not based on facts it
makes me chuckle. It’s merely journalistic sensationalism, an attempt to draw
the attention of the viewer and cause speculation.
But what happens when false perceptions impact a person’s
life or livelihood? A dear friend of mine worked diligently on a project. She spent
countless hours on research, neglecting family and friends working towards a
deadline. Proud of her presentation she believed everyone would be able to see
the amount of time and effort that was dedicated to her project.
Contrary to her belief, one observer of her presentation
said it was sloppy and called her lazy, stating more research should have been
done and the presentation was poorly put together. My friend was hurt by these
words. If this person knew the effort that had gone into this project perhaps
they would have thought differently, or would they?
Many times our thoughts are guided by our own performance.
We may judge others based on our abilities, our performance, or ideals, our
beliefs, our character. We may have an unspoken expectation. Have you ever
heard someone say “he could have done better than that”, “I don’t think she
even tried”, maybe these words were spoken to you or about you. Maybe you were
the person speaking these words.
I am by no means excusing intentional poor performance.
What I am saying is that we should not judge nor condemn because it is not our
place. We can offer constructive criticism and even when doing so it would
benefit us to first know the facts.
Perhaps my friend’s project may have appeared to someone
with savvy computer skills to be somewhat amateurish but my friend utilized her
skills and resources to the best of her ability.
Knowing my friend as I do, when speaking with her I
reminded her that no one knew everything that went into her project but God Almighty
Himself. She may know the time and effort that she expended, but only God knows
how she, her family and friends were impacted. I’m so thankful God is all
knowing. He knows what we are thinking, what we are feeling and how we are
impacted by others behaviors towards us. We can find comfort in knowing
regardless of the storm around us He is always our peace.
Always put your best foot forward. Do the best that you are capable of doing, and
never let anyone steal your joy! Colossians3:23-24 and whatsoever ye do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall
receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
