I was in seventh grade. My mom and dad had taken me to the mall for an afternoon of shopping. As usual, we planned to go our separate ways and meet back at the front entrance at a particular time.

As I wondered through the mall that day, I noticed a new storefront. It was a virtual reality video game business. Do you remember virtual reality video games?  The large headgear was equipped with internal video screens and surround sound which transported your senses to a virtual world. Depending upon the game, you may wear gloves with sensors to track your movements or be given a gun to record your shots. Most of the games had a small platform with guard rails to stand inside of to keep you from hurting yourself (or others).

The games were a hit… for a while. The idea of taking a break from reality and chasing a fantasy world appeals to most of us.  And this is healthy –as long as it is a break. Wouldn’t it be ridiculous for someone to try to live 24/7 in a virtual reality game?

Yet some of us do something similar. We live in our own virtual reality built on the lies and deceit of our very own pride.

When it comes to manipulating our senses and sensibility into believing a false reality –pride is far more effective than a video game.

  • Pride tells us the lies we want to hear and are most apt to believe.
  • Pride exploits our desire for meaning and significance into selfishness.
  • Pride twists our worship toward self.

And it does all of this while convincing us that we are walking in humility before God.

Pride is a dangerous virtual reality –without guardrails. That’s why the Bible tells us that, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Recently God was gracious to put me in a situation where I was forced to take off the headgear of pride and see the lies I had believed. It was painful, embarrassing, and yes, humbling. Praise God!

The answer to pride is to look away from the lies and look into the mirror of God’s Word (James 1:23).

You will never see your pride for what it is until you see Christ for who He is. His perfect humility is our standard for righteousness. And that is a VIRTUOUS reality!