Is perception reality? Some would say so, or at least refer to that saying in an attempt to justify their point of view. I'm not so sure that it's true. Perception is perception. We are slow to search out the truth and prefer to jump to conclusions. I know that I do it. Usually I do it only in my mind. By not voicing my perception I hope that I will give myself more time to gather more info and better discern what's going on. I would say that 9 times out of 10, at least, that my first perceptions are wrong, and once I've gotten more info and other perspectives that I'm glad I kept my mouth shut.
If perceptions are reality, then China is a free country, African nations can trust their leaders and God can be whomever or whatever you'd like Him to be. There is a truth in every situation, and it is always bigger than and outside of us.
I'm not good at politics. I am what you would call WYSIWYG for the most part, but I've found that people don't always see what's there, or don't stop to find out. I'm glad my wife did, and my friends did. And I'm glad that Jesus does. He knows who I am, and He really likes me. If I've learned anything, that's the thing that means most to me.
4 comments:
definitely agreed. I think we're all guilty of jumping to conclusions and allowing our first perceptions to form our opinion. Great post.
On the other hand (and just to be contrary,) sometimes first impressions can be quite accurate. They can be accurate because of one of the things you brought up, politics (sort of.)
C.S.Lewis once said that a man is most at himself when he is caught off guard. So, if you meet someone for the first time unexpectedly chances are you are getting an accurate first impression of him. Now, if I'm usually a jerk, but I know you're going to be around, I can put on a polite face and show you the person who I want you to see--I can engage in politics.
Anyway, that's something else to think about.
hmm...very true, shroom. thanks - i was hoping not to have anything to think about all weekend.
;)
First impressions aren't always caught off guard though are they? I'm not arguing that someone caught off guard isn't truly himself, I think that's something different. The example I was thinking of is where someone leaves work once 5 mins. early and his boss looks for him. Then when he doesn't find him he assumes that so-and-so always leaves early. That is a perception that is untrue and could easily be changed with even the slightess bit of looking into it.
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