For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then I shall know, even as I am known. (1 Cor 13:12)
I find it interesting, when reminiscing with my children, how we all remember the same event differently. The truth is there somewhere, but we all see it through our glass darkly. In this case the memory is distorted by our perceptions, by our reaction to the event. I’ve just been reading Caroline Leaf’s book, Switch on Your Brain, and she constantly emphasises that what happens to us is not important, it’s our attitude to what happens that shapes us.
Visiting a friend recently, I saw the following:
I know very well that the floor is covered with straight tiles, but my perception was that some of the tiles curved and bulged. I cannot always trust my perceptions. The light of truth can be so easily distorted and the devil is really good at it.
When I am tempted to judge someone, which is a temptation I battle with, I would do well to remind myself that what I perceive is not the whole truth, I do not know the whole story and never will.
Paul wrote, “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? for we will all stand before God’s judgement seat.. . so then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Rom 14: 10, 12, 13)
Beware of trusting perceptions, rather than the truth. God’s word is truth.
Coffee in the Rain 