Illusions – Sunday, August 08, 1982
One of the realities of this life is that everything is not as it appears; or more appropriately, everything is not as we perceive it. We filter what we see through our own imaginations, our own sentiments, through our own values and aspirations. We see, as Paul the Apostle noted, “through a glass darkly,”1 perceiving illusions as reality and at times reality as illusion.
The reasons for the existence of illusions are varied and complex, but a contributing factor lies within ourselves, with our desire to appear to be something we are not. Because of our own insecurities, we foster illusions. The poor to appear rich; the ignorant would seem wise; youth would present itself as age, while age would portray the image of youth.
Perhaps our psychological survival depends upon the existence of illusions, or perhaps the psyche is not equipped to see ourselves as we are, or others as they are.
But more likely, our survival and ultimate success as individuals is directly proportional to our ability to see through our own illusions and the appearances of others.
In marriage, it is not the couple who continues to hide behind the romantic but false images of infatuation which survives. Rather, it is the relationship which grows upon the personal realities of each partner’s strengths and weaknesses which endures—a relationship devoid of false images and fanciful expectations.
Parents also need to practice objectivity when viewing their children. Certainly, we parents have been and will continue to be idealistic about our children, But to project unattainable goals on our children because we see them as being more gifted than they are; or to distort their own self-image by refusing to acknowledge their weakness—are harmful to both parent and child.
And for individuals, it is imperative that we not only see ourselves as we are, but that we accept this real reflection of ourselves. Insanity is nothing more than the conquest of reality by illusion. Sooner or later that individual who cannot or will not accept himself for what he is, jeopardizes personal well-being.
To walk without illusion; to care more about inner worth than outward appearances; to project no other image beyond our own character; to be what we are—these are the marks of an individual at peace with himself
1 New Testament, I Cor. 13:12
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August 08, 1982
Broadcast Number 2,764