The Perception Filter

This post was previously published on www.1africa.tv.

Having a Perception Filter is probably one of the most naturally human tendencies each and every one of us has. Of course you may disagree and that is okay, but give yourself a moment to think about it and you might understand what I mean.

In my personal opinion, the genre of sci-fi mostly is a good reflection of what is happening in our society today (Or maybe it’s just because I love it so much that I think it’s ‘da bomb!’).  I say mostly, because not all science fiction is bearable.  Some is just downright awful and painful.  Here’s what I mean:

In the British Cult Sci-fi show Doctor Who, The Doctor (a Time Lord traveling through time and space, but favouring our planet, of course) once had to alter the perception of people around him in order to get what he needed to save the planet and the existence of human life as we know it.  Now, technically it’s a bit scary to think that someone has the power to alter your perception without you even realizing it, but that started me thinking…

I hardly ever listen to the radio or watch the news, but as we all know, we live in an extremely well connected world because of the internet and the different media platforms we are surrounded by.  So obviously we catch glimpses of headlines, particularly the Oscar Pistorius story that is still making headlines.

The media loves being in charge of what we perceive, what we encounter and what we believe.  It’s their job to control what the rest of the world is talking about.  To be honest, I’m not all that comfortable with the idea of strangers telling me what to think and feel.  So, in light of this, it’s always refreshing to find an artist (in this particular instance) who goes against the grain.

Let me explain:  Bon Jovi, Pink and Lifehouse, along with Natasha Bedingfield, have all recently released singles that speak contrary to mainstream Rock and Pop Music.  Bon Jovi’s “Because We Can” speaks of taking a stand and working at your relationship; Pink’s “Try” touches on how to work through the problems and obstacles of a seemingly broken relationship; and Lifehouse and Natasha Bedingfield’s “Walking Between the Raindrops” brings it home by focusing on having someone beside you during the hard times.

This made me think about my immediate world; the world that I live in, the people I encounter and the things that I allow to influence me.  How do I allow things to alter my perception of my surroundings, my friends, my family and the strangers I may encounter on the street?  Do I filter my perception through preconceived ideas of what a situation is supposed to be like, or do I judge a person by the perception I have of them due to something that may have happened in my past?  Or, do I allow someone else to control my perception filter as with The Doctor’s scenario earlier?  Do the words and actions of another individual influence my conduct towards a stranger?

Sadly, I have to admit that, as with most people, I can easily be influenced to filter my perception the wrong way, a negative way.

So, here’s my challenge (to myself and to anyone reading this):  Why don’t we determine right now that we are going to filter our perception through something reliable…or even someone reliable.  Jesus is the ultimate Perception Filter.  When God looks at us, He sees us through His Son Jesus.  When we look at people, situations and moments, we should do the same.  I’m about to give my Perception Filter a reboot (and a good old cleaning!)… this is going to be exciting!