Perception is Key

²¹ After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” ²² The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. ²³ One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, ²⁴ so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. ²⁵ So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:21-25, ESV). 

I remember having a conversation with a friend some months back.  My friend was upset about a family situation. It was still a fresh wound and her emotions showed it.  She shared her frustration and hurt with passion through her body language and facial expressions.  As we stood and talked, I was fully engaged listening as she shared with me.   A little while into our conversation, my peripheral vision kicked in and I started to notice how many other people were walking by us.  Suddenly a thought came to mind; from an outside perspective it probably looked like she was upset with me. 

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary the definition of perception is the way you think about or understand something.   Far to often our perception can be skewed by feelings, personal opinions or viewpoint, lack of knowledge, etc. That was my somewhat my experience with this text years back. 

In the early part of my Christian walk, I had read this portion of Scripture and always thought the Apostle John was arrogant, pompous, or bragging.  Some time later, I was reading over the passage again, and it was like a light bulb went off in my head.   “He wasn’t being pompous, he was secure knowing who he was in Christ! He knew he was the one whom Jesus loved!”  As a new Christian I didn’t understand yet how someone would feel secure knowing they were loved by Jesus.  Therefore, my perception was completely off.  As my journey continued with Jesus, I began to receive His love and my perception started to change. 

Perception is key.  Sure, there is always the concern of the way others may perceive us to be.  However truth told, sometimes it can be our own self-perception that is our worst enemy.  Currently, I ever so strongly realize it is vitally important to align our perception to God’s perception!   As His children we are loved, forgiven, and adopted as His own.  When we see ourselves the way God sees us, we begin to acknowledge we belong to him, receive His love, and live out the life Jesus died to give us. 

Friends, like the Apostle John, Jesus wants you to be secure too!  By the indwelling seed of Christ within in, know you are the one whom Jesus loves!

Jesus, You came so none given to You would be lost.  And so now Lord, I pray for the security of those who are yours.  I pray, my friends would know they are secure in You; they know they are the one whom You love.