Only God Knows

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.