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Writer's pictureJoe Palmisano

Chasing Illusions or Anchored in Truth?


Theme: Donning the armor of God daily.


As Pastor Dan spoke of who we follow and imitate in life, he used an illustration of how he, like others, admired and wanted to be like Michael Jackson in the 80s. Michael Jackson had miraculous dance moves, a great voice, and incredible talent. Yet, beneath the surface, he was a disturbed, sick, and dying man.


In my younger days, I was a gym rat, spending hours in the gym each day lifting weights and taking pride in the results. I remember admiring those competing in bodybuilding competitions and how remarkable they looked in the final days leading up to the contest. With bulging biceps, chiseled abs, thunderous thighs, and perfect pecs, they were the epitome of health and perfect physiques. But as I got to know them better, I realized that the opposite was true, as they were killing themselves on the inside to look the way they did. I remember one telling me, "You're the unhealthiest the day of the show. You're dehydrated, malnourished, and starving; you've overtrained, and you are taking some diuretic, whether natural or not. You are pale and ghostly, covered up by an orange spray tan. I may look like perfection, but I am barely hanging on and dying inside."


These are the ways of the world and lies of the one in the world. Carefully airbrushed images on social media, stories structured by well-paid PR reps to present an illusion of a well-lived life and promises of paths leading to gold and fame. All illusions, mirages, promising water but providing only sand. As Pastor Dan stated, these and all worldly illusions result from insecurities leading to pride. Looking closely at the examples above, you can see this is true.


It often takes time to see these illusions for what they are, and frequently, the reality only hits after following too many. I am in awe of those who learn this early in life.

Oh, the joy of being anchored in Jesus. To be free from chasing illusions, following shadows, and being blown here and there like a leaf in a hurricane on the winds of others' approval. By knowing who we are and to whom we belong, we can finally be authentic, free from insecurities and pride, and live abundantly in Christ.


Once we find this truth in Christ and have abandoned the illusions, how can we ever be fooled again? It may seem odd, but we so often are, and the reason is that we take our faith for granted, filling ourselves with pride in thinking we have arrived at spiritual maturity. We skip the study of God's Word here and there, ignore communion with our Lord, and are drawn back to the land of make-believe and illusion.


That was the message I received from Pastor Dan this past Sunday. It is not who we imitate before God's Grace saves us but who we allow ourselves to follow today and tomorrow. Where our mind and heart are now is where we will follow today.


 


Scripture: Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭62‬ ‭(NIV‬‬), Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭(NIV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


“Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬


“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


 

Prayer:


Oh, my Lord, please give me enough of a thorn to keep me humble, never allowing me to think I have arrived. Give me your vision to see the world for what it is, and please reveal to me the reality behind the illusion. I pray Lord that all of the things that seem so important to this world remain just shadows of what is important to you and your eternal plan. In the midst of the chaos let me see you and know that you have it all under your control. I praise you this day and always. In Christ’s Name I pray. Amen!

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