
Perception. An idea, a belief or an image we have as a result of how we see or understand something.
Jumping to conclusions because of perception can be dangerous. We get ourselves into mental and Spiritual trouble with mis-perceptions. Others hurt us with their mis-perceptions of us.
Many things influence our perception. Upbringing, religion, education, race, experiences, beliefs, physical appearance, peer pressure, social messages. How can we ever know the truth with so much confusion?
Have you ever realized that perception does not exist in God. He knows. He never has a mis-perception. He knows. Good or bad, He knows. He is the only one who ever truly knows us.
As Believers we have access to His Divine guidance. The Holy Spirit residing in us can see through all of our social filters and programming straight to the truth in any situation, if we listen. Through the Holy Spirit we are able to see and hear without judgement, release attachment to outcome and neutrally view any situation.
When we look at something or listen to something without judgment our emotions stay at bay. We don’t get lost in feelings; our feelings don’t get hurt, and we don’t hurt others.
It requires diligent practice to walk in the Spirit. It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing. But if we take time to practice seeing and hearing through God’s guidance, we may find things are different than we originally thought they were. Through the Spirit our perception gets purified which leads to knowledge of the truth.
Let’s try it today. We will pause our reactions and take a moment to look and listen through the Spirit. In placing our feelings on a brief hold before reacting to any situation we give ourselves an opportunity to see the truth (not our perception), we protect our integrity, and we may prevent ourselves from unwitting hurting another.
E.A. Fussell
06.08.2023