Matthew 13:12 – Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. (NIV)

I know what is green and what is blue, and have known so successfully for the last 49 years. My wife and I, however, have differing perceptions about the matter. Now it may well be that my colour perception is out of kilter with others' — especially my wife's — apparently! We agree to differ.

Living life is not just a matter of common sense. Our genetic make-up influences how we see life.

Recently, a student asked if I had found her blue floppy disk. I have a box for floppy disks left by forgetful students. She found it there and claimed it was hers. I looked at the disk and said that the disk was not blue, but purple. She disagreed: no, it was blue! Okay, it may have been a deep blue mauve, but in the lighting it looked purple to me.

Another illustration is communication: encoding and decoding. Encoding takes place when we put thoughts into words or actions. Decoding happens when we gain a particular understanding from what has been said or done. We can supply our own stories!

What are our frames of reference: life experiences, both good and bad? Who are our exemplars: our parents, teachers and friends?

I know that I am influenced by the One in whom I believe and His Word. God daily makes a difference to who I am. It is clear to me because He is my anchor against the storm.

His values are not based on relativism or a genetic predisposition. God sees all things clearly but reaches out to meet us. As I seek His face daily, I gain a better understanding of His judgements for my life.

As we seek Him, we become able to distinguish between the subtle shades of His revelation, both old and new.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we presume to know better than You do. Direct us back to the Rock of life and deliver us from wrong choices we make that may undermine Your revelation. Grant us sight to see Your truth and the strength this day to live it out, in and through the name of Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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