Perception and Perspective

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

                                                                      -2 Corinthians 4:17, 18

 

Perception and Perspective are two very similar words but have two very different meanings. Perception is the ‘WHAT’ and Perspective describes the ‘HOW’. Let me explain. Perception is directly associated with WHAT is happening around us. It is the circumstances of any given moment. It is WHAT you interpret.  Perspective is the lens through which we see the world. It is the attitude that governs our response to what is happening. Perception has to do with atmosphere and perspective has to do with attitude. Perception has to do with facts. Perspective has to do with feelings.

Most often we are powerless to change the facts of any given situation but we can always control our attitude towards that situation. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 and 18, the  Apostle Paul shares a wonderful example of perception and perspective. The Christians at Corinth were suffering and the circumstances they found themselves in were not what they would have chosen. But they did have a choice as to how they would view those circumstances. Paul encouraged them to view them through the lens and attitude of faith. 

We have no control over what is happening right now in our communities and country. We would not have chosen this -but we can choose our attitude towards it and in it! We can look to Jesus Christ and trust Him to use this season in such a way that it will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. This will not happen if we allow ourselves to drift during this crucial time. ‘Afflictions’ have a way of pushing us towards the Lord or pushing us away from Him. It is our attitude, our perspective, that often determines which one of these will take place in our life.

It is, for this reason, we are launching a series of video testimonies called PERSPECTIVES. Each video will feature members and friends of Providence Baptist Church sharing their PERSPECTIVE on what is happening and how God is using this to strengthen them in their faith. If you would like to take part, please let me know! Be watching for these videos and be sure to share them with your friends and family too!

I am praying for you,
Pastor John

Coming Soon: The PERSPECTIVES of Tucker Allen and Sarah Jones