Do you know that there are illusions in your life that might be deceiving you right now? These illusions are dangerous as they can prevent you from fulfilling your goals. What are these illusions? Here are 5 dangerous illusions you must stop believing to dramatically improve your life!
Have you seen a mirage? Perhaps, you have seen it on a hot sunny day while driving across the desert. A mirage is interesting because it can easily fool you into seeing a sheet of water and sometimes, even an oasis. As you approach a mirage, the water slowly disappears.
I hope it is like that in life. Mirage will simply disappear when you approach them. However, there are illusions in our lives that don’t automatically disappear. Illusions can be very stubborn and if we continue on believing them, they can cause tremendous problems.
Christians are not exempted when it comes to having a false belief – an illusion that easily deceives us. That’s why, in this post, let me share with you some of the dangerous illusions that we must stop believing. By recognizing these illusions, we will be able to better fulfill our God-given potential and purpose.
Illusion no. 1: You have all the time in the world
Most people live their lives as if they have all the time in the world. They feel like they are immortals who will never run out of time.
Now, it is an established fact that we will all going to die. The Bible even tells us, “it is appointed for men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27).
Now, this is an established fact. The problem is that people know about the reality of death, but most would simply live in the illusion that they have unlimited time.
As a result, a lot of people waste their time on things that don’t make them grow or productive. They waste it on things that make them poorer, sicker, and lonelier.
The problem with wasting time is that you will never get it back. Once you spend it, it will be gone forever. The moment you were born; the clock starts its countdown.
It never stops and it doesn’t wait for anyone.
The Bible wisely teaches us to number of days:
“For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away…
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:9-10, 12).
So, let’s stop living in the illusion that we have all the time of the world. Instead, let us live in the reality that our time is limited and thus, we must set our priorities in life right with God.
- (To learn more, please read, “How Numbering Your Days Makes You Wiser.”)
Illusion no. 2: Success is measured by the things that you have
Many people think that you are successful when you have a high college degree, the latest gadgets, the most beautiful models of car, a big house, and lots of money in the bank.
Now, that’s an illusion. The truth is that there are different definitions of success. In most cases, success is better measured by the standard set by our heavenly Father.
Think about it for a second, in the final analysis, when you are lying on your deathbed, the world’s definition of success won’t matter, but rather, God’s definition of success.
Yes, there’s nothing wrong to pursue earthly success, but it shouldn’t come to the point where it costs you of your heavenly success.
Colossians 3:1-2 tells us:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Earthly success is optional.
Heavenly success is mandatory.
Don’t let the optional take your focus away from the mandatory.
If you want to have a more fulfilling life, invest in your relationship with God and other people. Use the things that you have to bless others. Let it be just the means to an end and not the end itself.
Illusion no. 3: Words can’t hurt anyone
Sometimes, people think that words are mere sounds that we use to communicate our ideas and feelings to others. We sometimes convince ourselves that condescending, cutting and offensive words can’t hurt others.
We simply think that they will just “get over it.” We get so used to it that we don’t stop and think anymore whether our words are edifying or not.
If you live in the illusion that your words can’t hurt anyone, think again.
Psychologists agree that verbal abuse is more difficult to heal compared to physical abuse. Thus, it is no wonder that the Bible tells us:
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).
The word “wholesome” here also means, healing. This passage is simply telling us that healing words can serve as a source of life. It gives health and soundness of the bone.
This is confirmed in Proverbs 16:24:
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Thus, it is no wonder that Paul wrote instructed the Colossians:
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
With this in mind, remember, even if you believe your words aren’t hurtful and others seem unaffected, that’s just an illusion.
Like the water the constantly drip on the rock, eventually, the rock will crack. Feelings are hurt and when this happens, it’s more difficult to repair relationships.
So, instead of hurtful words, why not add to your speech grace and season it with salt? You will be surprised how life-changing this could be.
Illusion no. 4: Happiness depends on your situation
People often say, “I will be happy only if…” Go ahead and complete that sentence.
The point I’m driving at is that people depend their happiness on the things around them. They would be happy if they get a promotion, they earn more, they get a new car, they buy a new smartphone, or when other people will accept them.
Now, there’s no doubt that it is easier to be happy when things are going according to your way. The problem is life does not consistently follow what you want. It has its twists and turns. No matter how smooth or comfortable your life now, time will come it will get rough.
So, when times get tough, it would best to stay positive in life. Don’t let problems bring you down. Instead, follow what James or Yacob has to say:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Happiness or better yet, joy, comes from within. You can be joyful even if things don’t go according to plan.
Happiness is a choice.
You can choose to be happy no matter what happens to you.
Illusion no. 5: It’s over when you fail
Many people are afraid of doing something new because of the prospect of failing. Some would even give up at the first sight of failure.
We need to realize that we are all humans. Because of our faulty nature, we are bound to fail. Mistakes are as natural as the rain pouring during the rainy months or the sun rising up again in the morning.
Now, here’s what makes the difference: you can either learn from your mistakes or you don’t learn from them.
- (You might be interested in reading, “5 Incredible Reasons Why You Should Not Be Afraid of Failure.”)
Mistakes are stepping stones to success. Not one successful person in this world achieved their accomplishments without committing mistakes. In fact, they picked themselves up, learn from their mistakes, and moved on.
Don’t live in the illusion that it’s over when you fail. In the same way, the Bible tells us that when we commit mistakes in our lives, we can always repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. As long as we have the intention to change our ways, God will forgive us.
We read in 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Don’t let failure take away your God-given purpose. Life goes on. Dust the dirt off, pick yourself up, and bounce back.
Like what we always hear, “It’s not how many times you fall, it is how many times you stood up.”
As long as you are still alive, it’s not over yet. God is faithful and just to forgive. He will always be there to help us accomplish our purpose.
Final words
Are you fooled by the mirage of life? If yes, then start recognizing these illusions that can easily deceive us. The illusions I mentioned to you are simply just the few that you should know about. Once you have identified them in your life, get rid of them.
When you do this, I’m sure that you will have a better and more blessed life!
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