Turning Mountains into Molehills - Virtual Reality Faith
My son-in-law bought a virtual reality gaming system. After playing on it a few times, I found the experience exhilarating. I became lost in a world of sights and sounds as I surveyed the scenes as they appeared before me. As a result, I reached out to touch items that were not there. Also, I turned to look all around me as I gazed at the visions that only existed on a screen in the living room. However, the situation felt disorienting as I tried to lean on a table that was not real or when the cord wrapped around my feet, and I stumbled.
Benefits
I believe the world of virtual reality (VR) holds many upsides. For example, VR offers the freedom to explore the world for a housebound person. For instance, they could travel to faraway lands and experience the sights and sounds of exotic spots through these systems without leaving home. Additionally, someone might fly to the top of Mt. Everest from the comfort of their home without spending a dime. And they do so without the worry of frostbite. Or, some could travel to the deepest recesses of space or the ocean’s depths and still find time to make dinner for the family. The possibilities appear endless.
Limits
Virtual reality also has its limits. The VR world only uses two of our five senses; sight and hearing. Because we miss out on using our sense of smell, touch, and taste, these experiences feel empty. When I played with the system, I saw, but I could not touch anything, so my mind conceded the encounter was not real. The activity left me with a feeling of incompleteness.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Virtual Reality Faith
As Christians, do we pass through this life as if we are in a virtual reality world? For instance, we see the people around us, but we do not experience life with them. Or, we notice and hear their pain and suffering, but we do not reach out to touch them. And, do we try to lean on our own understanding, then stumble without Christ. Indeed, the troubles of this world wrap around our feet and trip us up. If we let it, this world seems disorienting to our walk with Christ.
As Christians, do we pass through this life as if we are in a virtual reality world? For instance, we see the people around us, but we do not experience life with them. Click To Tweet
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.”
Finally
Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that our faith is an actual reality, not a virtual one. We find assurance in things unseen. Many around us only view Christ as imaginary while never perceiving the truth of Him or His existence. Furthermore, Romans 1:25 explains that many have exchanged God’s reality to worship things that are not real. Indeed, we are called to share the real truth of Christ with them. Also, we need to share the truth of Christ to those lost in a virtual world of brokenness. VR may be useful for entertainment purposes, but it is not an acceptable method for reaching others in our Christian walk. Real-life requires us to feel and touch in addition to hearing and seeing. Therefore, we must help others to experience Christ in a real-life way.
Many around us only view Christ as imaginary while never perceiving the truth of Him or His existence. Indeed, we are called to share the real truth of Christ with them. Click To Tweet
Prayer
Heavenly Father. Thank you for the many blessings Your hand provides. Thank you for technology that entertains as well as many other uses. Help me remember that life is more than a virtual world and that You are more than just a virtual God. Show me how to share the real You with others. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan, author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc.
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