Why was this so hard? I simply needed to pick a color, but I was stuck. There were so many different shades to choose from. It seemed silly that I was making such a big deal out of it. My friends and family had only clouded my thoughts as well. Each having a different opinion and offering their perception of what would look right.
How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation with much more at stake than the simple color we put on our walls? The viewpoints of others can cloud our decisions or create more chaos where it was meant to bring clarity. Our perceptions of the world can all be so very different, just like the multitude of colors of paint.
The word perceive means to attain awareness or understanding of or to become aware of through the senses. Each of us has a different perception, understanding or observation, of the world around us. We see things from entirely different lenses. This is true of so many things. Our perception can alter the way we react to someone else’s behavior or words. For instance, I’ve noticed recently that my husband and I have found ourselves arguing and miscommunicating simply because what we were saying to each other had been misunderstood through our own perception of the situation or the words we were using.
Our understanding or perception of God can create doubt and conflict too. If we read scripture only from our own context or view of things, we may misunderstand or interpret the words incorrectly. We will miss the real point and be blinded to the deeper meaning. Through the words of Isaiah, God clearly lets us know that the Lord’s ways are different than our own,
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55: 8-9 (NIV)
If we really want to have a clear picture of who God is and also, understand what it means to love God and love others, we need to pause and consider all the vast array of viewpoints that exist around us. We need to understand that while our viewpoints differ, it does not make one right and one wrong.
One of the stories in scripture that has brought me a great deal of clarity is found in John 8. The Pharisees have brought a woman who was caught in adultery before Jesus. They wanted to see what he would do. Would he follow the law and have her stoned? I love Jesus’ response.
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
John 8
Being aware of our own perception is the first step to understanding others with more clarity. It is the way we become more compassionate towards each other. The way we learn not to throw stones but to love each other as Jesus has loved us.
Next Step
Are you ready to attain more awareness of how you view your world? Would you like to have more clarity about your relationships and improve your understanding of yourself and others? Coaching can help give you a springboard to this discovery. Schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation today.