Reality

 

I don’t watch much TV other than for sports and local or business news. I’ve never warmed up to most of the “reality TV” shows. I think it’s a poor name for them because most of them don’t seem very real at all.

 

The world tries to convince us what the realities of everyday life are. They often conflict with God’s view of reality. Where they agree, it may be because they’ve been handed down from the Bible.

 

Jesus faced this same issue during His time on earth. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said several times, “You have heard it said” and then proceeded to give the world’s view, contrasting it with His teaching. As an example, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).

 

What would Jesus say today? Let’s look at the world’s “reality”.

 

“He who dies with the most toys wins”. We live in a consumer society, one that encourages us to buy our way to happiness, no matter the cost to ourselves or those around us. Jesus tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

 

“Look out for Number One”. The world encourages selfishness and the pursuit of self-interest. Jesus calls us to serve others, to put their needs above our own, to be imitators of Him. “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).

 

“Might makes right”. Here in the USA, we are witnesses to this in the recent actions of our government. We may be guilty of this on an individual level if we intimidate others to get what we want. Jesus gave us the Beatitudes to show us Kingdom values. Among them,

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:5-9).

 

 

“The devil made me do it”. This one has been around since the days of Adam and Eve. It’s easy to blame someone else for our faults and failures. It’s harder to take responsibility for our actions. We are called to repent and be restored. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

 

As I’ve mentioned before, Paul’s words to Christians in the hedonistic Roman society are applicable to us today. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

 

Take some time this week to read the Sermon on the Mount again. Imagine Jesus talking to you now. Let His Word touch your spirit.