1/6/2013

   The Disney Corporation has made a fortune by appealing to peoples’ fascination with the world of make-believe. Is our attraction to Fantasy Land rooted, at least in part, in our rancor for reality? Do the dark clouds looming over the horizon of our vision of life’s tomorrows blind us? Or is it our addiction to the idea of a fantasy land where no one is responsible for his actions and where personal accountability is non-existent that stands in the way of a much needed reality check?

   Perhaps the way Congress chose to deal with the recent “fiscal cliff” crisis can help us see the folly of ignoring a dilemma. A dilemma is “a situation requiring a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives.” In the case of fiscal responsibility, there are only two choices: raise taxes and/or cut spending. Most citizens abhor the thought of either. Its like someone asking, “Would you prefer that I cut off your right leg or your left leg?” So the wavers of the magic wand step in and present us with a modern day version of Fantasy Land. We are told “not to worry”, after all Daddy Warbucks has an endless supply of paper and ink to sustain the peoples’ addiction to the good life that has been doled out by the masters of magic. All we need to do is keep voting for our benefactors. Ostensibly, a petty and painless price to pay.

    Is this realistic? Is it possible to live in a fantasy land forever? Will there never be a day of fiscal reckoning? I don’t think anyone reading this piece thinks this system would work on a personal level. Most of us know what happens when we keep spending more than we can pay for—don’t we?

   If we can grasp this simple lesson in economics, perhaps we can see the need to address a much more serious matter—our tendency to want to live in a spiritual fantasy land. This is where Satan dangles his carrots. He tells people, “Live for today. The here and now is all that matters. Death is not a big deal (Genesis 3:4). The notion of personal responsibility and accountability to God is archaic, religious superstition. There is no such thing as a resurrection and day of judgment, so ‘eat, drink, and be merry…’ (1 Corinthians 15:32)”. Wow, that sounds great! Is it true or another one of Satan’s lies? Is it reality or a dream world?

   Time will tell, won’t it? Some day every eye will SEE who was telling the truth (Revelation 1:7). But unlike the final outcome of our national monetary policies, we do not have to wait until some tomorrow before we know how today’s decisions will impact the future. God has graciously given us the answer to every pertinent question in the Bible (2 Peter 1:3).

   It also tells us that for those choosing to live in a fantasy land, ignoring their own personal responsibility and accountability, the outcome is disastrous. However, for those choosing to live for Him who is ultimate reality (God), there is a waiting reward that exceeds any man’s wildest dreams. Heaven is indescribable, which to some people equates to a fantasy. But just because we can’t see it yet, does not negate its reality. Jesus’ resurrection validates its existence (1 Peter 1:3-4). The attractiveness of Fantasy Land living is a trap! Don’t fall for the devil’s lie.   KD