“The Art and Mastery of False Perceptions.” 

By Patrick Hawthorne

The other day, I read an article by a minister who was speaking out against deception through perception.  In this article the minister wrote of a common attitude that is prevalent in the Body today.  I will call this attitude, “The Art and Mastery of False Perceptions.”

Faster than the wild whipping of a forked tongue and able to leap inconclusive buildings in a single bound, we Christian’s often run to jump aboard the finger pointing circus locomotive named, “Perception Deception.”

Taking a little snippet here, or a little snippet there, we form opinions based purely off of the opinions that are force fed to us by those providing the information.  Rarely have I seen anyone go the extra mile to prove out the claim made against a brother or sister in Christ.  Meanwhile, we stand upon our soap boxes and shout to the world, “How dare you take the Word of God out of context!”

The example this minister used was concerning his dad.  His dad, also a minister, was preaching a revival.  One night, after service, his father was seen on the street putting his arm around a younger woman who was not his wife.  Soon the gossip began to flow.  The following evening, the minister felt that something had changed.  The congregation was not connecting with him.  After service he made some inquiries and learned of the gossip.

The next evening during service, the minister addressed the group concerning the allegation.  Looking to a young woman in the audience, he asked her to stand.  “I would like to introduce you to my sister.”  It was then obvious who started the rumor because all eyes shot to the instigator whose face was turning blood red.

Am I pointing my finger at you without first pointing it at me?  As we commonly say here in the South, “Aww heck naw.”  I’m just as guilty of jumping aboard the deception band wagon.  However, in my desire to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, (Titus 2:11-12), I am working diligently to cast off, by the power of the Holy Spirit, such stupidity.  Will you join me?  Be blessed.