FROM FANTASY TO REALITY

                Almost from the beginning of time, people have created their own fantasy world to counter balance the real world. In ancient times this took the form of myths about “the gods”. The Greeks developed an elaborate fantasy world around the gods. If you have ever studied Greek mythology, the gods looked a lot like humans, except with superhuman powers. They lived with all of the passions and desires of humans, without the restraints. The Greeks were not alone. The Norse, Hindus, and Native Americans, just to name a few, had their set of gods, complete with elaborate stories of their exploits.

                In our world today, many of these old gods are being revived as prototypical superheroes. Movies are being made and books are being written that revive these ancient superheroes for a new generation, with a modern twist, of course. In addition, through the power of computers and video games, many people are finding or creating their own alternative world, into which they can escape from reality.

                As followers of Christ, we must be on our guard against slipping into our own spiritual fantasy world about God and Christ. There are many today that have created their own image of Jesus to fit their ends. It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “My Jesus wouldn’t do that”, or “My Jesus is loving. He would never condemn anyone”. Whenever the sentence begins with the words “my Jesus” it should raise a red flag. “My Jesus” is a clue that we are entering into a fantasy world instead of reality.

                As followers of Christ, we do not have the right to define Jesus or God the way we want to. Instead we must conform our image to the truth as God has revealed it. Anything else is a distortion. Any attempt on our part to confine God in our well-defined boxes is futile. As the Psalmist states in Psalm 145:3-7, Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. We can never put God in a box. Instead, we need to stand in awe of His greatness and majesty.

                As followers of Christ, we need to seek to know God as He is, not as we want Him to be. Our very souls depend upon it. As Jesus said in John 17:3, Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Our quest is to get to know God through His revealed word and through Jesus. If we are going to truly know God, we need to accept the whole package. We cannot pick and choose which aspects of God we will accept. We cannot reshape the character of God to fit our sensibilities.

                Our faith is not in myths created by people to escape the realities of our world. Our faith is in the Living God, who is Lord over our world. The writer of Hebrews clearly defines the essence of our faith in Hebrews 11:6, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

                Let’s not settle for a fantasy world of our own making. Let’s strive to take hold of the reality of who God is in all of His power, glory and majesty.