Augmented Perception

Have you ever heard of "Google Glass?" This is a wearable computer that provides a way to access the environment with an augmented reality.  

Users wearing the glasses can say, "OK Glass, take a picture," and the glass will not only snap a photo of whatever you are looking at, but can also send it to your contacts.  It takes videos, sends text messages, offers turn-by-turn directions, and will bring up google articles of whatever you ask it to.  Check out the video sample.

I just absolutely loved the concept of yet another geeky device that reminds me of Geordi LaForge's visor (from Star Trek - The Next Generation for my non-geeky readers).  But then I started thinking about perceptions.  What if we believers could don a set of "Godly Glasses?"  What if we could have the augmented reality of having God's perception on the upper right corner of our daily vision?  It would be so helpful to have God's word helping us to see the world as He sees it.  Imagine looking at a person you have judged to be "just fine," but then having the "Godly Glass" alert you to what that person needs.  

The Bible tells us we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit that does help us navigate the world, much like my fabled "Godly Glasses." Consider this verse: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for.  But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." ~Romans 8:26 (NLT). 

We can get better at hearing the message of God when we train ourselves to listen.  Spending time in the Word and in prayer is the key to learning how to see the world through God's perspective.  We can train our minds to think on things of God.  When you find yourself dwelling on something negative, perhaps an unfortunate life event or even your current circumstances, dive into the Word.  Pray.  These are the key actions we can take to alter our perceptions and change our worldview.  Shy away from the things of the world that are triggers to bad thoughts.  

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." ~Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)