Yet “perception is reality” is usually just a clumsy but short way of saying that people generally do not react to reality, they react to their perception of it. Therefore if you control how they perceive reality, which is easier than controlling reality, you control how they will react.
For example, in the world of advertising it does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. So those who are selling and those who are buying make a contract with the vapors. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it. Hence, the overt and subliminal message that perception is reality has snaked its way into every corridor of their reasoning.
Now from a Christian point of view, the enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He often manifests as an angel of light causing us to perceive to be true that which is a lie. For example, you may be at an impasse with a someone or something right now and it appears that there is no exit. Or, you may be experiencing an inordinate amount of fear or doubt or condemnation. It’s a lie and when you buy into it, your perception of the matter overrides the reality. Your only basis of truth is God’s Word. And the Devil prowls to and fro seeking to devour via perception (1 Peter 5.8).
Like a lion, the accuser of the brethren, makes for an impressive opponent. Yet behind that front is a weak, toothless feline with a destination that has already been prepared in the great abyss. That’s the reality! Satan knows his destination, but he wants to make a big roar.
The next time some circumstance or person comes into your life that creates fear and trembling, first determine the source. Look past the façade! See the thing in light of God’s Word. Perception is not reality and the lion perishes for lack of prey.
enjoy, ron
