Everyone learns but not everyone learns the right lesson or the right application of a lesson. We live with constant input. We receive information during every encounter. We are influenced each time we observe the way others behave. From this we form a way to live based on our reaction to each experience. It amazes me how many things I have come to accept as truth without a second thought. I am even more shocked at the effect this has on how I react to everyday situations.

What I learn from life experiences often defines who I am.

What we choose to avoid can have just as much of an influence on us as what we choose to embrace. One good or bad experience can cause us to change how we think about something or someone. The way we treat a person or react to a situation can be more influenced by our history than by what is actually happening. We often have no idea why we do what we do or why we think what we think, we have come to the conclusion it’s just who we are.

What God teaches me from life experiences needs to define who I am.

We need to learn to let God define us by extracting the lessons He wants us to learn from the experiences He has allowed us to have. I would be such a different person in every area of my life if I approached people and situations based on the lessons God has taught me rather than the preconceived ideas I have developed based on my life experiences.

What defines you?

1. An imperfect person trying to decipher life lessons from experience.
2. A perfect God revealing what you need to learn and how it applies to your life.

 It’s your choice, you can be defined by you who is limited by the confines of your perception or God who by His very nature is perfect and holy, without limitation.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)