Living a fulfilling life is a journey we take together as a community. It's not just about us as individuals but about actively engaging with the world, embracing both positive and negative aspects, and experiencing life with others who share similar values. For Christians, those values are always Christ-directed (John 14:6-11). We come together with mutual expectations and behaviors that benefit everyone and our world, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). A good reality is connected to true love and navigating what is right, just, and fair (Proverbs 1:2). It’s about enjoying the present, communicating well, seeing and facing the truth, and taking action toward a good life because we truly believe in total reality (Romans 1:20).
Total reality is not a closed-minded concept but a vast and all-encompassing state of things as they exist with Eternity in mind (Luke 24-44-45). It includes everything, whether observable or not, from the smallest structures to the grandest events and happenings. It reflects life's challenges and transformative potential, inviting us to explore and understand the world. Reality and truth are not confined to the visible world but are fundamental principles that govern the universe and define the relationship between the seen and the unseen (Ephesians 6:12).
In our world, total reality has been divided in many ways, with the separation of the secular and the sacred being most noticeable (Genesis 3). Instead of living with higher values and habits that benefit self, others, and the whole, we often lower our expectations and standards to focus only on what feels good and aligns with our preferences and desires, creating a disconnection in our understanding of reality — impartially and personally. This division destroys loving and meaningful relationships across all aspects of life (Romans 6:23).
There are multiple strategies for navigating conflicting truths or realities. Good listening and communication skills are essential, but one of the most impactful methods involves creating an environment where individuals can acknowledge and embrace factual and usable information. It's important to ensure everyone involved thinks clearly and respects other people's perspectives. Ask for permission to provide insights, and when giving feedback, do so in a way that adds value to others and the bigger picture. It's also important to be open to confrontation rather than conflict to heal and transform reality. When people can confront and accept the truth with grace and openness, it is a powerful catalyst for personal and collective change in the world, showcasing the potential of truth (John 1:1-14).
Today, I invite you to step out of your comfort zone and take action to embrace reality fully. Let go of the belief that your current reality is the only truth. Courageously challenge your assumptions about right and wrong, good and evil, and replace them with values that only exist in the complete reality of goodness or God (Genesis 1 & 2). This goodness is not a distant fantasy but a tangible and accessible truth for all who just believe in total reality.
With grace and truth,
Pastor Drake