On Perception and Reception
August 31, 2009
A farmer was stopped by a state trooper for speeding. The trooper was obnoxious and ill-mannered toward the farmer, lecturing him about his speed as he wrote the ticket. As he was writing, he swatted repeatedly at flies that were buzzing around his head. Noticing this, the farmer said, “Having some problems with circle flies there, are ya?” The trooper stopped writing for a moment. “Well, yeah — if that’s what they are. I never heard of ‘circle flies.’” The farmer continued, “Well, circle flies are common on farms. They’re called ‘circle flies’ because they are almost always found circling ‘round the back end of a horse.” “I see,” replied the trooper as he continued to write the ticket. Suddenly, he stopped writing. “Wait a minute — are you trying to call me a horse’s behind?” “Oh no, officer,” insisted the farmer. “I have too much respect for police officers to even think about calling you a horse’s behind.” The trooper squinted his eyes at the farmer and, after a moment, said in a haughty, self-righteous tone, “Well, all right, then.” Thinking for a moment, the farmer quipped, “It’s hard to fool them flies, though.” What can we say to this, West Broad and friends? Well, you may have a certain perception of yourself; but does your neighbor’s reception match your perception? You may think you are friendly or godly, but are you, really? There is a way to know for sure (Pro. 27:21). The officer in our story thought he was upright and professional, but the farmer (and flies!) knew better. Think about it friend: what is known about you? (Resource: Adapted from Robert Jones, TREN Update, 8/20/09)
