Others Perception

My boys recently took some academic tests. I felt uncertain about the process and spent some time pondering why. God revealed some beautiful truths to me. First, have you noticed how comparison driven our world is? Starting in school the standardized tests given to our children are based on comparing them to their peers. These tests hopefully show some of their academic strengths and weaknesses, but they are far from a complete picture of a child. These tests don’t show their character, moral excellence or integrity. Yet, an entire self-perception could be formed by not being somebody who measures up. Same for adults, how you’re doing in life determines if your’re somebody. Therefore many feel its other peoples perception of them that matters. We all have a real problem with this. Are we being authentic? On one of my favorite family trips, on a little island shopping, I had witnessed perception management at it’s worst. A very pretty mom in a long summer dress and big summer hat was working with her husband to capture the perfect picture of herself. With her head to the side she was smiling, laughing while enjoying her ice cream cone. Well, not really. I witnessed her drop the unauthentic smile run to his camera to see her image and then run back and repose for a re-do. While her two cute little kids sat on the stone wall waiting. I wondered where the pictures would be posted. Was she truly having a fun family day or working on others perception of her?

Paul was a man who had many reputations. First, he was from the tribe of Benjamin, so from Jewish standards he was somebody. Second, he was a Roman Citizen which meant at that time in the world he was privileged. He was highly educated, disciplined, and faultless; a Pharisee with righteousness based on the law. He said, “If anyone else thinks that he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more.” (Philippians 3:4) But his reputation among Christians was terrible as he persecuted them intensely. Of course that was until he met Jesus and was transformed. Then thereafter, he lived his life for the Lord Jesus Christ; traveling and establishing churches, encouraging believers, performing miracles and leading many to Christ. He became highly esteemed to believers. To others he was now the one highly persecuted and he suffered tremendously. Yet, through it all Paul’s eyes were on the Lord. Others perception of him didn’t matter. He actually told us that even his own perception of himself didn’t matter; only God’s opinion mattered.

It’s time for us to stop holding onto others perception. Not that this is an excuse to boost up our own self-esteem, that will just lead to pride. No, we need to understand how God perceives us. He says you are created and loved. You are already someone and this doesn’t change with your successes or failures. You’re so valuable that He died for you. Let’s live our lives like Paul, which is for Christ, so others perception (not that we are concerned) will only be to see Him through us. God is what we truly want and need. Reaching for a reputation is exhausting. Experience freedom by releasing your pursuit to live up to others as well as your own perception.