Morpheus: I imagine that right now you're feeling a bit like Alice. Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I can see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he's expecting to wake up. Ironically, this is not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: 'Cause I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know exactly what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know, you can't explain. But you feel it. You felt it your entire life. That there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there. Like a splinter in your mind -- driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
We all feel that way sometimes don't we? I mean, I know I feel that way... I don't like the idea that I am not in control of my life but it constantly feels like there is something more to life; something bigger. The Matrix (1999) introduced us to Morpheus and Neo for the first time but their conversation is nothing new. In fact, this conversation has existed for hundreds- heck, for thousands of years.
We pursue all kinds of things in life to fill up this weird passion that we have, don't we? We aren't sure what our purpose is or how it got there. It's like the great philosopher Morpheus said, You're here because you know something. What you know, you can't explain. But you feel it. You felt it your entire life. That there's something wrong with the world. All we know is that we don't feel complete, fulfilled, happy, whatever, until we find out what that purpose is and start living it out. So we go through life trying out everything, as if we were a puzzle with a missing piece and we are shoving anything we can into that last space to see what fits. The problem is that this puzzle (that's you and me) is a three dimensional puzzle and the pieces we have to work with are two dimensional. So we keep shoving pieces into this gap but nothing seems to last. I mean it may be good for a while- an hour, a year, ten years- but eventually all of these two dimensional pieces just don't seem to fit the bill. So we seem to be stuck. Nothing really satisfies- the new car, the new relationship, the new book, the new techno gadget (I love those!), the new job- nothing! We seem to be living in "The Matrix" of reality from day-to-day.
The good news is this: we can choose how to live; moment-by-moment, day-by-day. We can choose to live as a blessing with purpose by loving God and loving people. Or, we can choose to live as a curse but now is the time for choosing. How we choose to live and what we choose to do with our lives has monumental consequences; eternal consequences. Let's see what Neo decides...
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere, it is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, or when you go to church or when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born inside a prison that you cannot smell, taste, or touch. A prison for your mind. (long pause, sighs) Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.(In his left hand, Morpheus holds a blue pill.)
Morpheus: You take the blue pill and the story ends. You wake in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. (a red pill is shown in his other hand) You take the red pill and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. (Long pause; Neo begins to reach for the red pill) Remember -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more.(Neo takes the red pill and swallows it with a glass of water)
Neo decides that pursuing truth is better than living in the bondage of the world with all its pursuits blinding him. We too have that choice- to live in the reality of God's Truth living as Jesus lived and taught or to pursue our own version of reality without God or Jesus. Either way, the choice is ours.
The Blessing by John Waller.
