Realism: Recognizing Reality and Accepting the Facts

Realism in the Christian life means looking at life honestly, without pretence or illusion. It is the willingness to see things as they truly are, to accept our own limitations, and to trust God’s sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult. Rather than denying problems or expecting an easy path, biblical realism grounds us in truth and points us to the One who is able.

Realism Is Not Resignation

To see things as they are is not the same as accepting that they must stay that way. Biblical realism is paired with a firm assurance of hope in Jesus. Because we are blood-bought believers, we can work with Him to walk in the freedom He has won for us, loosened from the enemy’s stranglehold. We face the facts, but we do not bow to them; we hold to the promise that Christ has already overcome the world and is able to transform every circumstance as we partner with Him in faith (Jn 8:36; Rom 6:14,18; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 5:1).

With Christ things can change

Facing Reality with Faith

Sin is always sin regardless of whether man tries to ignore, disguise or excuse it, and we are answerable to God for it (Rom 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10). We cannot run away from our problems, so we must face up to the issues of life. Many situations in our lives need to be challenged by the truth of God’s Word.

As there will be battles to be fought and obstacles to overcome in gaining possession of our ‘promised land’, we should acknowledge that, with the Lord’s help, we are able (Num 13:30; Phil 4:13). We must not be consumed with our own ability or lack of it, but instead rely on His power (1 Sam 17:36-37,45-47; Zech 4:6; Rom 12:3). Obeying His commands is not something beyond our capability, provided we choose His ways (Deut 30:11,19-20).

Trusting God’s Sovereignty

God can and does heal, and He delivers from problems, yet we must also recognise that suffering and pain are part of the fallen world. Not all are released from these burdens or experience relief from their affliction this side of heaven (2 Cor 12:7-10; Heb 11:32-38). We are to pray and believe for His intervention, but our faith must always rest in His sovereignty: “The God we serve is able…to rescue us…but if He does not…we will not serve your gods” (Dan 3:17-18).

When God says ‘No’, what is my reaction?

Regardless of the outcome, they would continue to love and obey Him. Is that our response too, or are we following Him only when it is convenient and for the blessings, then running when the going gets tough (Job 13:15; Lk 8:13; Jn 6:67)? We are invited to come to our loving heavenly Father and ask in faith, confident that He delights to give good gifts to His children (Mt 7:7,11; Jn 14:13-14).

We cannot command God to respond to our prayers according to our limited understanding, because His ways are so superior to ours. We can only make our requests known to Him (Isa 55:8-9; Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6). We like the easy option; however, realistically, the hard path develops qualities that come no other way.

Growing Together in Grace

Accepting Christ as Saviour is not a guarantee of a hassle-free journey to heaven. In fact, because a person has changed teams from Satan’s kingdom to the kingdom of God’s own Son, this will attract much opposition. Yet the main ‘benefit’ of salvation is for the next life – the joys of heaven in contrast to the eternal torment of hell.

Although ‘no church is perfect’ because none of us as Christians are perfect, the corporate body of believers is still a very important and strategic part of God’s plan for this world. As marriage partners we are also ‘work in progress’, but we should be heading in the right direction (Phil 1:6). As redeemed sinners, we should continually be growing in our relationship with the Lord as the previous influence of the world on our lives is replaced with His righteousness.

Realism accepts our shortcomings, and those of others, yet trusts God that He is able to use us in spite of our faults.

Reflection and Application:

What area of my life am I avoiding rather than facing with God’s help?
How do I respond when God says ‘no’ to my prayers?
Am I growing in grace, or making excuses for my shortcomings?
In what ways can I support others in the body of Christ despite our imperfections?