THE LENS OF OUR PERCEPTION

by | May 11, 2023 | Prophetic | 2 comments

An acronym is used to define a process of rescue that helps first responders remain functional in their mission and give accurate lifesaving care when they arrive on the scene of a crisis. That acronym is “OODA” – Observe, Orientate, Decide, Act. OODA also has an application among believers regarding how we choose to respond to life and death spiritual situations we see developing in our families, churches, and the world.

How we observe this life is viewed through the lens of our perception. That perception is formed by a variety of things – our upbringing, worldview, theology, and our understanding of God’s love. Our initial observations regarding what we see happening around us will orientate our mental, emotional, and spiritual postures in preparation for how we will respond.

Of the four parts of the OODA concept, how we interpret reality we will set the stage for each response that follows. If our initial observation is not accurately discerned what follows will be amiss. When Jesus addressed the spiritual condition of humanity and commented on His mission in response to that condition, He said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The first adjustment to our lens of observation must be the hope of salvation for all people no matter who they are and how they choose to live. That single observation will align us with the heart of God and His mission on Earth.

The next verse offers a further interpretation of the Lord’s mission of redemption, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (vs. 17). If the Lord’s mission was not condemnation, it should not be ours. That doesn’t mean we don’t call sin for what it is or unveil deceptions that hold people captive. It means we must clean our smudged lens of anything that lacks a redemptive purpose so we can speak and act accordingly.

All of us have soiled the lens of our perception to some degree. Part of our individual spiritual growth is committing to a lifetime of lens-cleaning that will help us to see with greater clarity how Jesus sees this world and the people who populate it. Before we can properly orient our life, make the right decisions, and respond accordingly, we need to observe our world through the eyes of Jesus Christ. That one adjustment will bring clarity to everything that follows.

2 Comments

  1. Pamela Abbott

    So true. There are many Bible verses that tell of God’s heart on this. Two that come to mind: 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord… is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” and Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

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  2. Jeff McLeod

    Abba has been dealing with me the past few days about my disdain and loathing especially for politicians who seem hell-bent on destroying our nation. I’ve actually believed they are beyond hope and wouldn’t even pray for their salvation. This post confirmed to me this is sinful and not the heart of Jesus. I’m asking Holy Spirit to help me “pray for my enemies and bless those who curse me.”

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