The Lens Through Which We Interpret The World
Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential in 2025
Excerpted from Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through Inner Growth, Momentum, And Impact by Iann Schonken at Amazon.com.
Context is a powerful lens through which we interpret the world. It shapes our perceptions, influences our decisions, and impacts our interactions with others. Understanding the context of our lives—our environment, upbringing, and circumstances—can provide profound insights into our behaviors and choices.
In this chapter, we’ll explore the importance of context, strategies for analyzing and changing it when necessary, and how to align it better with personal goals and values.
The Essence of Context
Context refers to the circumstances or settings surrounding an event, idea, or person that give it meaning. It allows us to understand the nuances and complexities of a situation. As John Maxwell states, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”1
This highlights the importance of understanding the underlying context behind actions and words. Without context, we risk misunderstanding others, making flawed judgments, and displaying negative attitudes.
Context is crucial because it provides a deeper understanding of situations and behaviors. Without context, our judgments can be flawed and our actions misguided. For instance, understanding the background of someone’s behavior can foster empathy and reduce conflicts. Proverbs 11:12 NIV reminds us:
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
By appreciating the context, we can cultivate a more compassionate and informed perspective, enabling us to respond appropriately to various situations.
Misunderstandings, conflicts, and poor decisions often stem from a lack of context. When we fail to consider the broader circumstances, we may misinterpret actions and intentions. As Stephen Covey wrote:
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” [2]
This approach emphasizes the importance of seeking context before forming judgments. When we take the time to understand the full picture, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and make more informed decisions that benefit everyone involved.
Steps to Understand Context
Ask Questions: To gain context, ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper insights. Questions like “Can you tell me more about this?” or “What led up to this situation?” can reveal important details that provide clarity.
Listen Actively: Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. This practice helps uncover the underlying context and shows respect and empathy. Listening actively requires patience and an open mind, allowing the speaker to share their perspective without interruption.
Consider Multiple Perspectives: Understanding different viewpoints can broaden your perspective and enhance your understanding of the context. As Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird3 said, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”Considering multiple perspectives can reveal the complexities of a situation that a single viewpoint might miss.
Reflect on Past Experiences: Reflecting on past experiences and their contexts can provide valuable insights for current situations. This reflection can help you identify patterns and apply learned lessons effectively. By analyzing past events, you can recognize similar circumstances and make more informed decisions in the future.
Seek Diverse Inputs: Engage with diverse sources of information and viewpoints. This diversity can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the context. Proverbs 15:22 NIV states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking diverse inputs ensures that you are not limited by your own biases and can see the situation from various angles.
Applying Context in Daily Life
Enhance Empathy: Use context to enhance your empathy towards others. Understanding their background and experiences can foster compassion and reduce conflicts. Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and respond to their needs more effectively.
Improve Decision-Making: Make better decisions by considering the context of each situation. This approach ensures that your actions are well-informed and appropriate. When you understand the full context, you can anticipate potential outcomes and choose the best course of action.
Strengthen Relationships: Context can strengthen relationships by fostering better communication and understanding. When you appreciate the context of others’ actions, you can respond more thoughtfully and supportively. This understanding can build trust and deepen connections with those around you.
Adapt to Change: Recognizing the context of changing circumstances helps you adapt more effectively. Flexibility and responsiveness are key to thriving in dynamic environments. Being aware of the context allows you to pivot and adjust your approach as needed.
Promote Inclusivity: Understanding context promotes inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. It helps create a more accepting and collaborative environment. Inclusivity encourages a sense of belonging and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
Practical Steps to Get Started
Journal Your Observations: Keep a journal to record your observations and reflections on context. Writing can help clarify your thoughts and reveal deeper insights. Journaling regularly can also track your growth and understanding over time.
Engage in Mindful Practices: Practices like mindfulness and meditation on Scripture can enhance your awareness of context by promoting present-moment focus and self-reflection. These practices can help you stay grounded in your values and attentive to the nuances of your surroundings.
Participate in Discussions: Join discussions or groups that encourage diverse viewpoints. Engaging with different perspectives can broaden your understanding of various contexts. Discussions can also challenge your assumptions and help you see things in a new light.
Read Widely: Reading books, articles, and stories from different cultures and disciplines can expand your knowledge and appreciation of context. Exposure to diverse content can enrich your understanding and inspire new ways of thinking.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted individuals to gain new perspectives on your actions and decisions. Their insights can reveal aspects of context you may have missed. Constructive feedback can be invaluable in refining your approach and enhancing your understanding.
Conclusion
Understanding and appreciating context is essential for empathy, effective decision-making, and meaningful relationships. By asking questions, listening actively, and considering multiple perspectives, you can gain a deeper understanding of the situations and people around you.
Remember, context provides the background that makes actions and decisions meaningful. As you navigate life, let context guide your understanding and interactions. Proverbs 18:15 NIV reminds us:
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Embrace the power of context to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.
1. John Maxwell, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_c_maxwell_451128.
2. Stephen Covey, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/habit-5/.
3. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://jgdb.com/literature/study-guides/book-to-kill-a-mockingbird/quote-you-never-really-understand-a-person-until-you.
Thank you Pastor Iann, it’s so easy to forget to seek to understand before jumping to respond. Perhaps I should say, reacting instead of responding.
Blessings,
Ilene