“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 NKJV)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV)
For years I have sought the Lord for wisdom on how I am to approach the gap between who I am, and what I possess, in Christ, and the “normal” experience of my daily life (tuck away in your memory banks the two words “I am”). Just recently, after years of prayer, Bible study, reading, sermons, listening to other believers, etc., I received what I believe will result in a major breakthrough. The Holy Spirit quickened to my spirit two key words which I am expecting to bridge this gap and revolutionize my life experience…
…”Recognition” and “Identification.”
Let me define them with the understanding that the Spirit gave me:
- “Recognition” has to do with the ability to see clearly my current experiential condition and/or situation (sensory perception); to see clearly my spiritual condition and/or situation (spiritual perception); and clearly recognize the difference between the two.
- “Identification” has to do with choosing which perception (sensory or spiritual) I will identify with. For example: When sickness attacks my body, my experiential condition (sensory perception) tells me that the “fact” is, “I am sick.” The spiritual condition (spiritual perception) tells me that the “truth” is, “I am healed.” Both are “real,” so which one determines my identity? Am I sick, or am I healed? Whichever perception is strongest in me will create my reality, which in turn will drive the life choices I make in relation to my condition or situation (my perception is my reality even if I am wrong).
Recognition of the difference between “fact” and “truth” is critical to bridging the gap between my spiritual condition and my sensory experience. “Truth” is always factual, however, “facts’ are not always true. Facts are based on my current perception of what my senses tell me. Facts change continually as new “evidence” is revealed which changes my perception. Truth is eternal and never changes regardless of my current understanding or perception.
Once I recognize the “facts” of my life, and understand the “Truth” that applies to my condition or situation, I must choose which one I will allow to impact my “identity.” What I identify with is critical to how I see myself. How I see myself shapes how I think, speak, and act. How I think, speak, and act greatly impacts my life experience, which ultimately shapes who “I am.”
So what am I trying to say?
When I recognize the problem (fact/sensory perception), and I recognize the solution (truth/spiritual perception), then I am able to choose which one will create my identity (who I am and what I possess). My identity will determine what comes next.
More tomorrow. Until then let’s prayerfully consider…
…Eric’s Life Lesson #87: “The lesson of ‘Recognition’ versus ‘Identification’ (knowing the difference is critical to my life).” Part 1