Reality Check

Effective leaders keep those they serve engaged in reality. They make it real in relation to problems that need to be solved and victories that need to be celebrated. Good leaders anticipate negative or positive trends with insightful questions. He or she may ask, “How can we ride out a softening in the market two quarters from now?” or “Do we have the capacity to deliver with excellence a significant upturn in business the next six months?” People who live in reality are able to adapt to significant change. Leaders who define reality best—rest in the Lord’s wisdom.

Reality is first and foremost found in Christ. Faith in Jesus relies on the truth as He defines truth. Ironically, some critics of Christ say He is irrelevant—when in reality, He is the most relevant. Faith in God is the narrow path of reality, while disbelief in Jesus is the broad road of humanistic ideology. Those anchored in the Scripture are anchored in proven ideas for living life to the fullest. When we accept the reality of Christ we can enjoy the Spirit’s discernment of truth. The reality is: God is love. God loves the world. God gave His son Jesus, so the world would love.

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1).

Perhaps you need a reality check or you need to help another understand their new reality. It may be the reality of a relationship gone sideways. You have done all you know to do, so you leave it in the Lord’s hands and trust Him. A friend may be adjusting to the new realities of divorce or death. Be there to comfort them and help process in prayer their need to adapt with grace and dependence on God. The reality of a health issue is hard to accept. It seems like an unnecessary disruption. Instead of denial becoming your friend—embrace your friend Jesus.

Most of all, stay engaged in the very real reality of your relationship with Christ. Fear has a way of fantasizing about false outcomes: “What if I fail?” “What if I let others down?” Fortunately, the Lord’s love will lead you onto the concrete road of His will. The Holy Spirit will guide you around quicksand’s pit of lies, so you make it safely and on time to your intended destination. Humility asks others for a reality check in their relationship. Thus, stay teachable and pliable to feedback. If ignored—reality is a harsh teacher. If accepted—reality is an insightful instructor.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me engaged in the reality of Your will and Your work.

Related Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:20; Colossians 2:20-21

Post/Tweet this today: When we accept the reality of Christ—we can enjoy the Spirit’s discernment of truth. #realitycheck #wisdomhunter

Additional Resource: 12 minute music video- Jesus Culture: Show Me Your Glory

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