Leaving the Matrix
Separating from the World System
The world system, also called "The Matrix" is all around you, controlling those who live within it. It is the system that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth. Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born into a prison that you cannot see or taste or touch. A prison for your mind.
"The Matrix" is the title of a Science Fiction movie. It's too violent for me, but it offers an explanation of this invisible world system.
or when you turn on your television, you can feel it when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
What truth?
That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Born into a prison that you cannot smell or taste or touch. A prison for your mind.
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. You take the blue pill. The story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill. You stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
[Sound of thunder]
Follow me.
What makes the Matrix function is people choosing to work for money. Money is the lifeblood of the Matrix. This world system is run by the Prince of Darkness and kept in motion by those who work for money.
Once we are awakened, we choose either to work for Satan and his mammon Kingdom. Or, we unplug from the Matrix and trust God to take care of us as we build His Heavenly Kingdom.
Most people are not ready to be unplugged and many are so dependent on the system, they can't even consider leaving. They've committed their future to paying off a mortgage, credit cards or student loans. Sadly, these people will fiercely fight to defend the very Matrix that traps them inside.
If we exit the Matrix, we will face hostility and hatred from those who are still stuck inside. The world loves its own. But when we leave the world system, we become the enemy. As Jesus said, "All will hate you for your allegiance to me."
Making the Choice
"I can't stand going to work anymore." These were the exasperated words of a friend of ours. "I know what the Lord is calling me to do," he said, "but every moment of my working day is committed to my employer."
Our friend is reaching the end of his rope. Every day he faces difficult customers and a cranky boss. His working day is spent serving the world, leaving him drained and tired. His heart yearns to work for the Kingdom of Heaven, but a vicious cycle of expenses and debt has him dragging a heavy ball and chain everywhere he goes. Every day he dutifully marches into work with all the others who are enslaved by debt.
I thought about his situation and said, "All I know is that I would rather be poor with heavenly riches than work for the devil and live in comfort. If we are content with a humble lifestyle, then having enough is a feast." I suggested that my friend get out of debt and then quit his job.
The choice our friend was looking at was similar to what Neo faced in the movie, "The Matrix." In the film, Neo is offered the choice between taking a blue pill or a red pill. The blue pill would allow him to stay in the simulated, comfortable world of the Matrix - but as a slave. The red pill would allow him to escape from the Matrix into the real world. But, living in the Truth, without the support of the system, is harsher and more difficult.
In the beginning, it may look hopeless. Before you can leave the Matrix, you will need to pay off all your debts and simplify your life. Then you can quit being an employee. As you diligently live by faith, you will see work opportunities opening up. God has given you gifts that can be used to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. You will discover them as you seek first His Kingdom. Go after the Kingdom first, then all the other things you need will be provided.
In the Matrix movie, Morpheus says to Neo, "Come, follow me." This parallels the call from Jesus. He bids us follow Him out of the Kingdom of Darkness, also known as the Matrix, and into His Kingdom of Light where we are forgiven and redeemed from slavery to the world.
Follow Me. And I will make you fishers of men.
Wake up and repent. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
