Aug 03

We are all familiar with the seeming reality of virtual reality: Every time we watch a movie or video we encounter this illusion of reality. There, as we watch the images before our eyes, we enter into a world that does not exist, yet seems real to us because of the effect which is produced by these changing images. A thing does not have to exist in the real world in order to affect our thinking or change our behavior.

The ground which the man on the bridge (July 17) thought existed only a few feet away did not exist; the real ground was much more distant. Yet because of his belief in the reality of that virtual earth, he acted in such a way that his very life was endangered. His belief in a virtual reality almost cost him his life.

It is interesting to me that another dictionary I consulted had almost an opposite meaning to the word virtual. It can also mean "in fact, but not in name".

There is a certain factualness or reality about that which we see in movies or holographic images, since we can, in fact, see them. But what we see is only an image of the real thing, not the real thing itself which those images represent. That is why we call it virtual: It is virtually identical with the real thing.

But it is not real; it is virtual. By this second definition of the word, it is there but cannot be referred to by the name normally associated with it. Virtual reality is a type of reality -- but that reality is not what we normally mean bynot reality in its full meaning. It is a reality only for those who perceive it as such.

The reality of the universe in which the rest of us live is the true reality because it is necessary for virtual reality to exist. That which forms the foundation for imitations is the real reality. Without the foundation, that which is built upon the foundation could not exist. Therefore, that which forms the foundation is the true reality. God is the foundation upon which all else is built. He is the true reality.

Scripture for today: Ezekiel 13:1-16
Thought for today: The virtual reality of false religions will one day be destroyed by the true reality of Jesus as Lord.
Prayer for today: Lord God, make me aware of any virtual realities I have created for myself other than keeping my eyes focused on the true reality which is you.

AUG 03