Illusion

On our recent trip to Florida, we visited all four of the Disney parks.  In the photo above, Larry and I are posing with a cute little Minnie Mouse who looks totally pert and friendly with her big smile.  I wondered if the girl inside the costume was bothering to smile for real -- and, of course, I'm well-aware that she wasn't a real mouse either.

As we were "doing" the various rides and adventures in the parks, I made an observation that has spiritual significance:  the "world" each park presents is not real.  Of course, we know this going in, but we sometimes forget that important fact because it all seems so real.  The Disney folk create trees, animals, buildings and even "people" that seem so real, you sometimes forget they're make-believe and illusion.  It's easy when you're surrounded by these things for the line between reality and make-believe to blur.  That's part of the fun in a theme park, but what about real real life?

While Disney is a master of make-believe and illusion, there is one who is the true master of illusion and further, the master of deceit as well (deceit is the darker side of illusion).  The one who holds that title is Satan. 

While Disney parks are lots of fun and full of beautiful things to see and do, the illusions Satan brings into your life are full of danger.  Don't let Satan fool you -- all that glitters in real life is NOT gold.  The dross he offers might shine briefly, but as it quickly turns to brass, we realize once again we've been fooled.  That satisfaction and happiness he promised was short-lived and like the rides at the Disney parks, you find yourself back on the pavement at the same spot where you started.  The ride is over -- what comes next?

Satan loves it when he can confuse us - like thinking wrong is right and right is wrong.  This has become a major problem in our world today.  The world is full to the brim with deceit and illusion.  Satan has blinded society and government alike - and even many churches into accepting evil for good - or at least acceptable.  1 John 1:8 says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

In Genesis 3:13, after Satan tempted Eve, she said, "The serpent deceived me and I ate."  With just a few words, Satan spun a make-believe world for Eve and he's been doing it to the rest of humanity ever since.

So -- what's a person to do?  Jesus said, "In me you may have peace...for I have overcome the world" John 16:33.  Also, in John 16:13, we're told that the Holy Spirit "will guide you into all truth..."  So, there IS an answer to the need for truth and reality -- it's God.  His Word and His Spirit will guide you in truth if you'll just ask Him to and seek truth. 

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free -- and therein is found "the fullness of joy" that comes through a Savior that has overcome the world and Satan.