Perspective and Perception
As a Christian leader and executive coach, I believe understanding the nuances between perspective and perception is vital. These concepts shape not only our leadership but also our interactions with others, our decision-making processes, and our relationship with God. I also believe our Corpath Forum Groups, and the Corpath community at large, play a significant role in helping us shape our perspective and to challenge our perceptions.
Let’s dive into what each means, their importance, and how we can align them with our faith.
Perspective vs. Perception: What’s the Difference?
Perception is how we interpret the world around us. It’s our sensory experience, shaped by our past experiences, culture, and emotions. Perception provides the lenses through which we view our surroundings.
Perspective, on the other hand, is our mental view or outlook. It’s broader and encompasses our values, beliefs, and understanding. Perspective is more about how we see our world and how we choose to frame and interpret our perceptions.
The Importance of Perspective
In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This scripture reminds us to rely on God’s perspective rather than our limited human understanding. As leaders and business owners, our perspective should be rooted in biblical principles, which provides a solid foundation for decision-making and guiding others.
A Godly perspective allows us to see beyond immediate circumstances. For example, Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:20 shows how he reframed his suffering, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Joseph’s perspective transformed a seemingly dire situation into one that supported God’s divine purpose.
The Role of Perception
While perspective is broad, perception is immediate and often influenced by our environment.
Matthew 6:22-23 states, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness." This scripture underscores how crucial our perceptions are. Healthy perceptions—those aligned with truth and positivity—lead to a brighter, more God-centred life.
Perception can be tricky because it’s easily swayed by emotions and circumstances. As leaders, we must continually check our perceptions against God's truth. Are we seeing things through the eyes of fear or faith? Are our interpretations aligned with God's word or are they skewed by doubt and insecurity?
Aligning Perception and Perspective
To be effective leaders, our perception and perspective must align with each other and with God's truth. Here are a few practical steps to achieve this alignment:
Seek God’s Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Regularly seek God’s wisdom to ensure your perceptions and perspectives are rooted in His truth.
Reflect and Reframe: Take time to reflect on your perceptions. Are there situations where your immediate reaction doesn’t align with your broader perspective? Practice reframing negative perceptions by finding God’s purpose and promises within them.
Stay Grounded in Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Scripture helps to correct our perceptions and align our perspectives with God’s will.
Community and Accountability: Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Your Corpath Forum Group plays a vital role in helping you see things from multiple perspectives. It also encourages you to assess your perceptions and understandings to ensure they align with God’s will for you.
Take a moment and answer these questions as you reflect on the topics of Perspective and Perception:
Do your current perceptions align with God’s truth?
Are there areas in your life where your perspective needs to shift to see God’s bigger picture?
What practical steps can you take this week to align your perceptions with your faith?
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of gathering together in Your name. We are grateful for the fellowship, support, and encouragement we find in our small group. Help us to continue meeting regularly, spurring one another on toward love and good deeds. Remind us always of our place in the larger body of Christ, and help us to draw strength and inspiration from our broader community. May our efforts in business and life bring glory to Your name and further Your kingdom.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
