Perceived Reality
" "The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken." - Job 4:10
In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality" for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it.
The enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He may bring on us what we perceive to be true when it is a lie. "
- Os Hillman
Link to article in its entirety: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/perception-is-not-reality/
The above quote, and entire article, struck especially close to home; I have been witnessing this very thing happen in the lives of people I know. Fellow believers they trust created and spread stories of a perceived reality that has a small group of professing believers hating and angry. They are going to "get theirs". Godly leadership and authority have been falsely perceived as the enemy's tool, and a portion of the saints have been attacking with a vengeance that must surely make the enemy of our souls proud.
"It does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it." - Os Hillman
As rumors concerning this local situation travel around the nation with abandon, the abundance of hearts is being exposed.(Luke 6:45) Wickedness, deception, and seduction are being laid bare for all to see. Some are shocked at the depth of evil being manifested by professors of Christ. Some are horrified. Others are simply relieved to have things out in the open - at last. Finally, game playing can end so those not involved in the yuck can be about the Heavenly Father's business. God's people have been praying for God to purify His people and for unity; He is answering, albeit in a manner not necessarily expected.
As I witness the "war between the brethren" ebb and flow amongst those who once walked as friends, I find myself drawn to hunker in close to Abba - and pray. The enemy may be flinging fiery darts, but Abba has supplied the complete armor of a heavy-armed soldier.(Ephesians 6) Would you join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus the world around? We'll pray just as Jesus taught, for only His words are true, and truth is what the saints are in desperate need of.
For all of Christ's followers we now pray:
Our Father,
Who art in heaven
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not
into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory
forever,
Amen
Matthew 6:9-13