Perception is a powerful thing. Correctly utilized, it can help you in every area of your life. We have been given the gift of perception, which is the capacity to observe situations or people in such a way that we can discern potential problems or opportunities. Some can even perceive if people are being honest or dishonest. Perception is an awareness of the elements of environment through physical senses or a calculated interpretation of people, actions, words or even their body language. Perception however, can become a serious problem if not properly harnessed and counter-balanced with reality, facts, and the counsel of others. In Matthew 13, 54-58, there were some people in Nazareth who could not understand who Jesus was. They had a wrong perception and impression of Jesus. They even wondered where He got His authority from, being that He was just a carpenter’s son. they took offense at Him and refused to believe in Him. Someone once said: “Perception is more real to some than reality itself.” Read that quote again. Many live their lives making wrong assumptions about things and even develop incorrect perceptions about people and situations. the problem about that is if you start with a wrong perception about someone or some situation, everything you think from that moment on will be wrong. This has caused divorces, people losing their jobs, brethren offended at each other because of a wrong initial perception or impression. Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Pray everyday for clear discernment and perception. First impressions can be lasting impressions, but first impressions many times are wrong impressions because we don’t have all of the facts. Therefore, before you make a decision about anything, ensure that you have the right perspective, impression and perception. Always remember: Right perception based on clear facts and truth is powerful and highly beneficial, but wrong perception based on emotions or wrong impressions can be disastrous.
Proverbs 1:2 “To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding”
