Perspective – reality vs. virtual reality

Virtual reality and real reality can sometimes blur — not just with technology, but with emotions, expectations, and comparison.

Life online can look perfect, but real life is where God meets us.

We can get so caught up in the online things that we become confused about who we are, what we believe, and even how we should talk.

God invites us back to truth — a grounded, grace-filled perspective.

Let’s jump into this and remember that the reality of it all is that God is the One who fulfills all our needs.

I think the newness of social media has worn off, so we may not hold what we see as reality quite as much… but we do still compare. And that’s where the issues come in — especially with AI everywhere and everyone using it.

The truth is, trying to sort out what’s real has become difficult with filters and AI. We get duped a lot.

I’ve seen some AI-generated videos, and you can totally tell the difference — they’re pretty funny. But some look unbelievably real.

We can send memes and messages and connect through the internet, but there is still something different about genuine connection, real compassion, and being present with someone. That makes all the difference in the world.

How often do you check your phone? It’s so easy to fall into that habit.

I’ve turned off all notifications except calls and texts because I’m a quick responder — so I have to be mindful about picking up my phone. But not having notifications also has the opposite effect of, “Well… since I don’t know if I have notifications, I should check.”

You know what that’s taught me? It’s not about the notification — it’s about wanting to stay in the know.

We can get a distorted view of life when we seek our phone more than we seek our Bible. It can lead us away from the truth.

As we approach a new year and new goals, maybe one of them could be rooted in Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

God will always anchor us in reality and truth.

I’ve never personally tried VR because I’m not a video-game person, but I’ve seen so many videos of people trying it for the first time — and someone always runs into a wall or falls down.

They’re funny videos, but they also make me think: If we replace real life with virtual things, we can forget what it feels like to connect with nature, friends, family, and community.

I know I have to make the effort not just to scroll, and you may be the same — but let’s keep making that effort so we don’t miss what God is trying to give us.

There is so much clarity that comes from grounding our perspective in truth — God’s truth and what He says about life and who we are.

I choose God’s truth over illusions — my identity and hope are anchored in Him.

Have you ever watched a video and thought, “I can do that!”…Then you try it, and it’s an epic failure?

I love those videos because they’re so real and vulnerable. Someone saying, “I thought I could do it — I absolutely could not — but watch, because it’s funny.”

I do this all the time. No videos are made, but trust me — plenty of big fails happen, and they’re hilarious, so I just have to tell people about them.

But that’s also where God works — in the unfiltered, imperfect places of life.

We often see things from our own point of view. Sometimes we see from a different side, and that’s great — but ultimately, we need to learn to see from God’s perspective.

God’s lens isn’t filtered. His perspective brings fresh clarity, compassion, and truth.

Don’t worry about the pressures of life or social media. Embrace God’s steady, loving reality.

Perspective shapes everything — our peace, our decisions, our relationships, and our identity.

And God is the One who offers all of that — clarity where the world offers distortion.

Let’s take a moment to pray.

Lord, thank You for all You offer and for Your perspective. We come to You today asking for clarity, wisdom, groundedness in Your truth, and freedom from comparison and confusion. Help us to see life through Your steady truth. Amen.

Living up to the expectations we place on ourselves can come with a big downfall.

We think we have to be a certain way — the right path, the right job, the right friends — and at what cost? Are we giving up our true selves because we think this is what we have to do?

God doesn’t call us to be anyone other than who He created us to be.

He doesn’t ask us to live under pressure or pretend. He invites us to walk in truth, grace, and genuine connection.

Here’s a final reflection: VR might entertain us… but God’s reality is what sustains us.

By simply adjusting our perspective, we can shift our peace, joy, identity, and purpose.

Choosing God and His truth resets our minds and hearts.

As you go about your day:

What part of your life needs a perspective refresh? Where do you need clarity?

Seek the Lord — He is faithful to answer.