Reality is Not the Enemy

When is a fact not a fact? Can reality be set aside or ignored? Abraham Lincoln, who was known for using homespun anecdotes to make effective points, is said to have once asked a critic, “How many legs does a dog have if you count his tail as a leg?” “Well,” the man said, “In that case, five legs.” “No,” Lincoln replied, “Only four! Saying that a dog’s tail is a leg does not make it a leg.” Such simple yet profound wisdom seems lost on much of society today.

Western culture today has embraced an alternative reality. In doing so, actual reality—the truth of a matter—becomes an adversary. This can involve “transgender rights,” meaning the right of a person to choose to be a “gender” different from their biological sex at birth. It can be the assertion that homosexuality is an inherited or genetic trait rather than a moral choice. Other “choices” include the approval of destructive anarchy or revisionist views of historical events. Those who promote these ideologies typically refuse to allow opposing political, philosophical, or religious views on any topic or social issue.

Tolerance and freedom of expression have been largely removed from the public square, the marketplace, and university campuses by those who are “woke”—this word being a slang term meaning to be hypersensitive to perceived social injustices, discrimination, and racism. “Woke” individuals, corporations, and institutions attempt to control the dialogue and tone regarding aberrant behaviors that now touch the lives of almost everyone. Their stifling influence is felt in print media, social media, entertainment, television, and streamed content, often resulting in hampered communication or even “canceling.” Woke individuals or entities often attempt to force by intimidation, and through manipulating management and marketing practices so as to remove people with whom they disagree from positions of responsibility and leadership.

Why is that, one might wonder? The answer is found in a book that most people know of, but very few read and follow. A principle found in the New Testament of the Bible makes it clear; “[T]he carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

The Bible contains a godly standard of conduct applicable to all mankind since creation. It was codified as the Ten Commandments and given to Israel through Moses as the Israelites were liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt. These laws are found in the Old Covenant, in Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:1–21. Additionally, God gave specific detailed instructions on sexual conduct, the roles of men and women, dietary laws, and business practices (Leviticus 18–20; Deuteronomy 14). Sin is defined as breaking these immutable laws (1 John 3:4).

Jesus gave a succinct summary of these rules for human relationships and conduct when He answered the question of a lawyer, who asked “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40). “But,” many say, “Jesus did away with all of that.” Not so! Jesus told His disciples, “Do not think that I came to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17, New Revised Standard Version). He also said, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The Apostle John wrote something even more direct and to the point on this subject; “Now by this we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3–4).

How does this relate to Lincoln’s story about calling the dog’s tail a leg or misstating the facts about gender, sexual practices, and promoting evil as good? Jesus said, “If you abide in my word…. you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). Avoid the “woke” agenda, which considers reality an adversary. Resist being swept along by societal pressures, and instead teach your children and grandchildren the liberating reality found in truths of the Bible.

There are other materials available that may be of great value to you in resisting the woke agenda, which is based on ignoring reality and embracing lies. Be sure to check out the articles “Repeating Rome's Mistakes" and "The War Against Normal," available in the January and February issues of Tomorrow’s World magazine.