Perception vs. Reality

At our last meeting we discussed how easy it is for perception to be confused for reality.

Truth is defined as a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like. An antonym for truth is falsehood. This includes those things that may not necessarily be an outright lie, but if it in any way is false – even partially – it cannot be considered truth.
 
This is an important definition to be aware of when tackling the concept of perception versus reality. For some people, their perception is their truth, their reality, what they live for. And they have no idea.

The example given during our discussion was a child learning to ride a bicycle. They start with a tricycle, progress to a bicycle with training wheels, and eventually achieve the level of riding with two wheels. That’s the cut and dry of the story, but it doesn’t include the trials it takes to get there. One technique used to teach a child to ride a bike has a parent trailing behind stabilizing the bicycle while the young rider learns to stop, turn, and balance. Just as the child gets the hang of things and gains confidence, the parent lets go of the bicycle and the kid coasts down the street. Unless the kid is anything like the author of this post, who – upon realizing that her father was no longer physically holding on to the bicycle – panicked and lost control, hurting herself and even worse, her six year-old pride. The perception of the child was that she needed her father physically holding on to her bike in order to maintain balance, when the reality was that because he had trained her she was fully capable of doing this on her own. He knew she was ready long before she did, and he lovingly pushed her out of her comfort zone to discover a new sense of independence.

God may be using this time and experience in your life to train you and prepare you so that, when the time is right, you can transition with ease into the next phase.

We discussed how you can react one of two ways when you fall off your bike: you can scream and cry, nursing your wounds and refusing to get back on because you allow your fear of falling again to take over; or you can attend to your wounds properly, pick up your bike and try again, letting your determination and your faith dictate your future. The choice is yours to make.

We also discussed how no amount of explanation or instruction from a father on how to ride a bicycle can give the same understanding as experiencing what it feels like to be balanced and what it feels like to lose control. In much the same way, no amount of explanation from someone else about how Christ fits into your life can yield the same glory as living with Him will.

Regardless of the perceptions you or others have, there are some important truths you should know that will serve as a strong base to bring you into reality:

You are a child of God, a citizen of Heaven who is complete in Christ. You can be assured that all things work together for your good and that the good work the Lord began in you will be completed. You cannot be separated from the love of God and you can always find grace and mercy to help you in your time of need.

If you missed our meeting last week, or if you just want to think some more about what we discussed, here are some questions for you to reflect on:

• What is your idea of perception versus reality?
• How has the debate affected your experience in college?
• What is an example of a perception you had that you once held as truth, but it has been shattered?
• How did you feel when that perception was revealed as possibly not being reality?
• Do you think we can know God’s perception?
• What challenged you about this message?

References for “Perception vs. Reality” Large Group message:

• Luke 9:62
• 2 Timothy 3:16
• 1 John 3:1a
• Philippians 3:20
• Colossians 2:10
• Romans 8:28
• Romans 8:35-39
• Philippians 1:6
• 1 John 5:18
• Hebrews 4:16

Our next Large Group event is Tuesday, October 18, 2011. See you there!