GlocalNet

We live in a world in which our perceptions of others are shaped by media, tribe, politics, and a host of other entities.  The question is - do we have the right perception of people? If we don’t, the consequences can be deadly.  History is full of examples.  Robert McNamara testifies to that in his understanding on Vietnam in his book “We were wrong”.  How many of us have had one perception of people only to discover we were radically wrong?  Unfortunately, most of us have had that experience.  How do we get accurate perceptions of people so we can communicate and build healthy relationships?  Let me offer some things I’ve learned.

1.  Read all you can about people.  Every group has its own story. Do you know it?  That story shapes and causes certain behaviors and ideas.  If you don’t know the story, you’ll never understand the person or people.

2.  Don’t let popular media determine your view.  If you agree with most popular media you’re in trouble.  Long ago there was an unbiased press that just gave the facts and you decided – now everyone is a commentator.  You’ll probably have to read opposing magazines and media to find out the whole picture.

3.  Build a relationship with someone that you’re seeking to understand.  It’s easy to have ideas with knowing someone.  Our church loves Vietnam.  There was a time when we feared Vietnam. That was before we knew Vietnam.  Nothing destroys negative stereotypes like knowing someone from the tribe. 

4.  Critique your own tribe.  Before being critical of someone else, consider what needs to change in your tribe and family?  That may cause us to change some of our perceptions unexpectedly just by doing that one thing. 

5.  Pray and ask God to give you a heart for people.  Without that men are either “for” you or “against” you.  God has a bigger agenda in the world than our own. 

So, whether it’s a person of another race, religion, or football team, know that God loves all of them and he wants you to understand as many as possible