Consequences of Positive and Negative Reality - Part 1

Everyone has escaped or will feel the need to escape reality in some way. At the beginning my military basic training, a young man suffered a grand mal epileptic seizure. The medics took him away and we never saw him again. He thought he could leave his medical issues at home, so he enlisted in the Air Force and ceased taking his medications.

Making an all-out effort to escape dependence on medication and a negative identity, he devised a plan that was doomed to failure. The young man's denial encountered a harsh reality. Imagine returning home and carrying the burden of shame and humiliation.

The young man in Jesus' story of the prodigal son fostered fantasies that also would end in failure. When these fantasies became contaminated with the stench of a hog pen, his ability to deal constructively with that reality surfaced. Reality instilled in him determination to go home and face his father who loved him. Acceptance of reality activates God's help, so if the need exists, choose to return and renew your relationship with him now.

False Assumptions vs. Reality - Part 3

It's fair to say most people want to enjoy good relationships, find gainful employment, and feel secure. Achieving these goals rarely happens without some unexpected detours along the way. Can you imagine the worst possible situation you could experience? Perhaps you've been there, done that, but what helped you survive and face reality?

Jesus' parable of the prodigal son teaches us how to deal constructively with reality. The young man in the story left home with hopes and dreams for a wonderful life. Unfortunately, he lacked the maturity to make healthy, wise decisions. Consequently, he found himself in a desolate place feeding hogs to survive, which for him was the epitome of shame and humiliation.

What got him into trouble? He was arrogant and naive, which distorted his ability to deal effectively with reality. Most of us have been there or are presently on the way. The good news is, God permits us to make directional changes when we're mature enough to choose his plan and purpose for our lives.