Perception is not reality but rather the interpretation of reality that’s far too often based on far too little concern for the real reality.


John 8:31-32


“I don’t like that reality. I think I’ll just create my own.”

Those words are spoken very often these days… So often, in fact, that it’s become the norm to simply create the truth that suits you best.

And… it’s easy to do. And… it works.

That’s the reality of the times we live in.

But, a lie is still a lie. That will never change.

Today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. Bible verses find the Apostle John telling the historical account of Jesus teaching in the Temple Courts. While there, the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders were challenging Jesus about who He is. But before that exchange happens, they bring in a woman who they were accusing of adultery. Surrounded by a mob intent on stoning her, Jesus knelt down and scribbled with his finger in the dirt. The Bible doesn’t say what Jesus wrote in the dirt and because of that, it’s been the subject of many commentaries and different theories.

I have my own.

He wrote the truth on their hearts.

Jesus used the words that he wrote in the dirt to convict those who were accusing the woman of adultery with their own hypocrisy.

He then said, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”

As today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. quote points out, far too many people simply don’t care about the truth. All they care about is being perceived as truthful. They consider it a victory if you believe. To them, the truth is unnecessary and an inconvenience in the world they live in, where slights-of-hand and hocus-pocus rules.

As Christians, we can’t live like that. Jesus tells us to listen to His words and abide in Him – not the ways of the world.

The Tiny Words. Big Life. “AHA!” moment is this: A truth that challenges our perception of reality is an opportunity to grow in our walk with God. Pray for the desire to see it, the strength to accept it, and the courage to speak it.

When you do that, you’ll no longer be held captive by the chains of deception. You’ll be living for Jesus, the One who gave His own life so that we can live a life of truth.

So, the next time you’re outside, kneel down in the dirt and scribble a note to Jesus.

Then, just like the Pharisees, the chains will be broken and you’ll be set free to live by the only version of the truth whose reality cannot be amended or manipulated.

I guess that explains why so many people would rather make mud pies with the dirt than use it to scribble notes to Jesus. That way, they can mold the dirt into anything they want.

But the truth of Jesus doesn’t get molded. In fact, if you scribble in the dirt for Jesus, the only thing getting molded will be your heart.


John 8:31-32

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”