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. It’s no different for adults; how they’re doing in life determines if they’re somebody. Is this what God believes? Many feel it’s other people’s perception of them that matters most. We all have a real problem with this. Are we being authentic? On one of my favorite family trips, on a little island, I witnessed perception management at its worst. A beautiful mother in a long summer dress, with her big summer hat, was working with her husband to capture the perfect picture of herself. Her head to the side, smiling and laughing in the moment as if she were on her family vacation, simply enjoying her ice cream cone. But no, not really. I witnessed her drop the unauthentic smile, run to his camera to see her image, and then run back to repose for a re-do. While her two cute little kids sat on the stone wall waiting for her. I wondered where the pictures would be posted. Was she truly having an authentic, fun family day, or was she just working on a postable photo for influencing 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 that 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) His reputation among Christians was terrible, as he persecuted them intensely. Of course, that was until he met Jesus and was transformed. Thereafter, he lived his life for the Lord Jesus Christ. He traveled and established churches, encouraging believers, performing miracles, and leading many to Christ. He became highly esteemed by believers. To those others, he was now the one highly persecuted and suffering 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' perceptions. Not that this is an excuse to boost our own self-esteem, which will only 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.