“Myths which are believed in tend to become true.” – George Orwell

“A myth is an image in terms of which we try to make sense of the world.” – Alan Watts

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2 Amplified Bible

I want to put the Alan Watts’ quote above into its proper context.

Watts was a British philosopher and writer who had a strong dislike for religion.  His quote above reflects that view – believing that we create the myth of God to help us make some sense of this world.  He felt the myths surrounding religion created a form of psychological comfort to individuals – helping dampen the hard realities of life each of us face.

I included the quote because it can be taken from an entirely different context – seen from a divergent frame of reference.

What if the myths we believe are truly about this world and not our spirituality?  What if by attempting to make sense of all we see happening around us, we are taken in by the fallacy that this world is all we truly have?  What if the misconception or misbelief has nothing to do with our spirituality and everything to do with a tainted, false belief of the purposes behind this world and all it represents?

As George Orwell infers above, what if these worldly myths we’ve all fallen for caused us to embrace a truth that isn’t really truth at all?

Like I mentioned, we’ve all fallen for them.  I think it’s a natural part of the human condition.  We might believe in eternal life, yet we still fear death.  We embrace an all-knowing, omniscient God but rely on our own instincts and reasoning instead.

We understand the difference between good and evil, yet often defer to what keeps us thriving and surviving in this fallen world.  We take for ourselves instead of giving.  We do whatever we please versus following the ways and commands of a loving God.  We fret and worry about everything instead of trusting and allowing God to work in our circumstances.

Can you see how easy it becomes to embrace the myths of this world?  By sliding down this slippery slope, has the world and its ways ultimately snared you into seeing God as the myth?

Paul urges us in the Scripture verse above to transform our way of thinking about the myths of this world – renewing our minds toward God’s truth.

Think how drastically your life in this world would change if you changed your viewpoint, renewed your thinking on just these three worldly myths:

• This life is all we have.  Nothing awaits us beyond our death.
• This is MY life.  There is no Creator but me.  To be satisfied and fulfilled, I need to make sure I focus on my own wants, needs, and desires first and foremost.
• My happiness is primarily driven by circumstances, therefore; I must have the perfect mate, ideal health, and accumulate the wealth I need to make the most of my life.

Think of embracing the truth of a life that begins and never ends – how that eliminates fear or what we perceive to be injustice or a lack of fairness?  Think about how it changes our view of sickness and disability?  Think how it brings more purpose and intention to your life by seeing it as a journey – not a final destination?

How would your life change if you saw it as a gift from the Creator and not of your own doing?  What if you saw the Creator as your source – providing for all your needs?  Would there be less pressure and stress by leaning on God versus yourself?  What if you relinquished your wants and desires to a loving God who knows what is BEST for you – fully believing that whatever entered your life (good or bad) was precisely what you needed at that precise moment?

What if you defined happiness by a “peace that surpasses all understanding”  (Philippians 4:6) versus circumstantial?   What if you saw it as driven not by external people or events but by your inward attitudes and beliefs?

Let’s go back to Mr. Watts for a second.  What if he’s right?  What if God and all He represents is indeed a myth?

You know my friend in just the three areas I mentioned, I would rather lead a life of faith and trust than one of stress and worry.  I would rather live a life filled with deeper purpose than one based on myself alone.  I would rather lean on a God-driven inner confidence than lean on my circumstances either good or bad.  I would rather believe in a God of justice than feel like I must initiate it or a God who continually provides versus knowing I am the sole provider and source of all I will ever have.

So, if religion is the myth, I would rather lead the life of that purported lie than any other kind of life 😊

And what is even more beautiful my friend is that I know it to be TRUTH and not a myth 😊

Like me today, I hope you take time to think about the difference between myths and truth and where you line up when it comes to both.  I hope you see how easy it is to conform to this world – getting caught up in all it represents.

Transforming our minds isn’t something accomplished overnight.  It’s a daily discipline – one that must be pursued routinely.

May God help each and every one of us as we seek His truth 😊