Virtual Reality 
By Mike Rule

" Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…" (Revelation 2:4&5a) 

Virtual Reality is an incredible feat of technology. I'm not an expert on the subject but to the best of my understanding Virtual Reality is a three-dimensional, computer-simulated environment in which the viewer has control over what is seen. It is primarily a visual experience but is enhanced by audio and other sensory stimuli. It is amazing to think that men have created counterfeit realities that really do not exist.

On the other hand maybe it isn't so amazing. Satan has been creating counterfeit realities since the beginning. One of the virtual realities we might believe is that the Christian life centers on inputting the proper stimuli in our minds, will, and emotions. Living our faith in this way is a counterfeit of what God intended. Our lives are to be centered in the spirit and as a result our mind, will, and emotions are transformed. In contrast, when the right thinking, the right feelings and the right actions are all we focus on, we have created a virtual reality of Christianity that has little to do with Jesus Christ. The counterfeit makes for a wonderful moral religion that does nothing to bring us the deep peace and joy we all long for.

God is calling us to set aside virtual reality and live in Spiritual Reality. This reality is centered upon the person of Jesus Christ and is captivated with one simple truth: knowing and loving God. Jesus said the greatest commands are to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. All else hinges on these two; however, we focus most of our energy on all the lesser commands.

We come to God through accepting that Jesus Christ is all we need. Unfortunately somewhere along the way many of us lose track of our first love and settle for a counterfeit relationship. We have the moment by moment choice to surrender Jesus for morality and religion -- Spiritual Reality for virtual reality. It is a challenge to walk by faith when the entire experience has little to do with what is visible. It is often easier to stick with outward appearances and fall in love with the things of God rather than God Himself. This distraction breeds a deep emptiness inside that leaves a person feeling hollow and alone. Unfortunately, in our virtual delusions we think that turning to Jesus is just too simple, and that God expects more of us now that we are His. As a result we end up unknowingly rejecting Christ while seeking ever-deepening levels of virtual reality.

Remember your first love. Don't settle for virtual reality, but be stubbornly focused on Spiritual Reality: Jesus Christ. Are you willing to be revitalized in your walk with God? Are you open to falling in love with Jesus all over again? That is His heart's passion. If you are willing to lay aside all else and allow Jesus to embrace you, you will never regret it.