Snap out of it! We have all said it and had it said to us. Many times we get lost in a moment or situation and lose touch with reality. We may just get comfortable and begin to think this is how things will always be, or we may be bound to a trial or affliction and out of self pity we may think this is how life will continue. Either way, we have to come back to center and face reality.
As a younger man I often had an over abundance of what I called “fun”. At the time life was “great” and I pictured myself living that way for the rest of my life. The days were short, the nights seemed to last forever, I was young, and everything was a blast. Thankfully I was completely out of touch with reality because the memories of those days now bring shame to me.
I was 27 when reality hit me. I was told i was soon to be a brand new father and had someone else to live for other than myself. That sting of reality was not bitter at all but was very pleasant. It was a life changing event for my own good.
Its not always that way though. In many cases when reality hits, it’s sting brings much pain and displeasure. Reality can build us up and tear us down in an instant. So it would be wise to try and remain grounded as best we can.
There are times in scripture when I see the thought of reality missing from people. Take the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-27. This young ruler approached Jesus and asked “Good teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life”. This is a proper question asked to the right person to give the greatest answer. Jesus, already knowing everything about this young man, responds and says “you know the commandments, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your mother and father”. The young ruler says “Teacher I have kept all these from my youth”. Jesus responds and says “One thing you lack, go and sell all you posses and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me”….. In my opinion this is when the young ruler and reality collide. He left dismayed, he didn’t follow. Realities harsh sting for him was that he treasured his possessions more than that of eternal life. He only thought himself well, but in the end he realized what his true desire was.
We face certain realities everyday that we grow to somehow overlook. The fact that we are not promised the next minute is a certain reality that even the best of us dismiss much of the time. We are here one minute and gone the next. We have no way of knowing in advance when that minute will come. We live years of minutes and get comfortable. We see ourselves growing into an old age and don’t give much thought of that last minute. But the reality is that our minute has been determined in eternity past and every minute that passes only brings us closer to our last. That is a sure reality for all of us.
The reality of death holds another reality though, the reality of eternity. Many think when we die we just cease to exist, but thats not the case. Even the most militant atheist, humanist, and all other religions outside of Christianity will one day have this reality realized. They will face judgment on that great day. This reality is eternal punishment in the place “Where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” Mark 9:44.
Today is the day for a great reality check. This is the day for repentance. This is the day to search your thoughts and actions and see if they align with God and with His commands. It’s my hope that you and I can keep reality a reality and set our hearts on the kingdom of God and not just live for the moment.
Martin Luther once said “There are only two days on my calendar: today and the day of judgement”
Live for Christ while we have the day, dont get lost about tomorrow because the day of judgment is soon.
Dear God let us not lose sight of the reality of your word. When we slip off into a worldly daze lift our heads back to the heavens. Keep our hearts prepared for the hard realities to come and let us be constantly reminded of your promises to all those you love. Amen
No King but Christ 