Perception And Reality…
What picture, impression or word/phrase do you think pops into the mind of others when your name is mentioned? Have you ever wondered how family members, peers/co-workers, your group in the church or folks you rub shoulders with in the community would answer? Are you curious? I was recently challenged to ask those around me an important question - "What do you think of when someone mentions my name?" It was suggested that asking this simple question could help me determine my real "position" at this point in history - in my family, among my peers, in the church and in the community. Daring to ask this question, and people answering honestly could bring some eye opening revelations. Their answers might also provide the necessary insight and inspiration to make some life benefiting changes or bring confirmation that God is doing something wonderful in you! To get real answers to this potent question you may need to have someone other than yourself ask the question, record the answers, and ensure anonymity. Notice, this is not a “one-word” answer survey. Rather, a question that will usually have one or more short answers or a general paragraph. You are looking for key or dominant pictures and impressions of the person mentioned in the question. At the same time it may be most helpful to ask this question of people who experience you often or know you fairly well. However, taking a second survey asking the same question of mere acquaintances could prove valuable also. Next, you may want to ask this question of God and keep it before Him in prayer and in His word until you are satisfied that you heard from Him. Be ready for the answer to be different than you might have thought and more positive as well. For instance, King David was a man who had committed adultery, murder, and failed many times in his family life. Yet, God describes David as a "man after God's own heart." Why would God describe someone who had obviously failed in many areas as one who was after His own heart? Although David did make many mistakes, his heart was soft toward God and sought to praise Him. David wrote the majority of the Psalms. God honored what was in David's heart, not his perfection. David’s heart was for God. Finally, this same question may prove helpful for Live Oaks and each of our ministries. Wouldn’t it be beneficial to know the real perception of others when a ministry area or our church as a whole is mentioned? Wouldn’t it be helpful for Live Oak members to know the outcome of this one question survey that they might be able to evaluate the validity of their perception if it was in the minority, as well as, confirm their view if it were in the majority? Regardless of how we are perceived or really are, the truth of God remains the same. Our Heavenly Father honors us and has a plan to get us to a destination of freedom and blessing. “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Lord bless you as you seek the Truth, find the Truth, and are set free by the Truth, P. Kelley
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