Tonight I was discussing the appropriateness of something and the other person said, "Well, it doesn't matter how other people perceive it as long as we have good intentions." I didn't know really what to say, because I've always thought that as a Christian the way other people perceive me is crucial to the way I am sowing the seed of the Kingdom of God.
The definition of perceive is, "to grasp mentally, take note (of); observe." ((Webster)) So as we go about our daily walk with God shouldn't we be doing things that make other people 'take note' of God, not question whether we are a Christian or not.
God tells us in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
We want our lights, our faith, to shine in everything we do here on this Earth, not just when we are verbally testifying to others. We should be striving for the people around us to be perceiving us as light. That's the only way we will be able to share the Good News with them.
If I know something is questionable in the way it could be perceived, does that mean I go ahead and do it because my intentions are pure, they just might not be perceived as pure, but that's not my fault. Surely not! Let us always strive to do good and be perceived as light in this dark world. Let's not ride the fence of good and evil, and just hope we're perceived as good. Let us glorify God in all that we do and let the perception that we give off to others be that of love and of forgiveness; but mainly just let them observe (perceive) the Son reflecting through us.
♥
Ashley
