Perception Is Not Reality

‘Perception is reality’ is a common saying, but have you ever stopped to think about this? Is it possible that my opinions, thoughts and understanding on any given topic are not reality? This can be a disturbing thought. Yet, if I never stop and consider this, it is more likely to be true!  If you have ever known someone who thinks too highly of himself, you know what I am talking about. This person has a closed mind to any new information. Here is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee who thought he knew it all.  

Luke 18:10-14 ESV[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

In this parable, notice that the Pharisee perceived himself as better than others and boldly looked at the God of all creation, while the tax collector understood his shortcomings and took a posture of humility when approaching God. The second man had a grasp on reality. This humble stance was not because he was a tax collector, but because he was human. 

Humility begins when I accept the idea that I could be wrong or have something to learn, realizing that my own understanding is limited. The moment that I become open to the realization that I could be wrong about something, is the moment I get real. This is the pathway to becoming teachable. We can only learn something new if we realize we don’t know it all.  We, as humans, must admit to ourselves that we don’t know much about (fill in the blank)________________. 

I find it interesting that the parable above is followed by this story.

Luke 18:15-17 ESV[15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Have you ever taught a child anything?  It is rewarding because they learn quickly.  When you teach a small child, you can see change. But teaching adults is an exercise in patience.  Little children accept the fact that they don’t know much and this is why they learn at such an accelerated rate. They are amazed by how much they have to learn and can’t wait to know more.

What if we approached our adult life like a child, waiting expectantly for the next new thing we could learn, absorbing new information like a sponge?  What if we asked God for a childlike attitude toward life? What if we approached God like this?  Then maybe our perception would be closer to our reality.  

Lord please open my mind. May I see myself as a child with so much to learn. May I approach you with awe and wonder.  

Image by Free Photos from Pixabay