The concept of The Matrix movie franchise is very interesting. It leads to a thought experiment for followers of Jesus.

In the movies, the reality we experience every day is just an illusion — a sophisticated simulation programmed by machines. Beyond the simulation is the real world, ruled by those machines who farm our captive bodies for fuel. A group of rebels has discovered the truth and has managed to escape from the simulation, waking up in their true bodies. When the protagonist, Neo, begins to uncover the truth as well, the group offers him a choice: a red pill or a blue pill. With one, he can fully know the harsh truth, and his life will be changed forever. With the other, he can return to his life as he has always known it, in blissful ignorance.

Here is the thought experiment. In which reality does Neo have freedom?

It may seem at first that freedom can be found in the simulation. In that reality, I can do whatever I want, be whatever I want, go where I want. In fact, one of the rebels in the movie chooses to return to the comfort of captivity, the simulation, and its illusions.

But the movie makes clear that real freedom, difficult as it may be, can only be found by knowing the truth and fighting for it, outside the simulation.

Jesus too described another “kingdom” distinct from our reality. And He offers a choice. I can follow Him, the Truth, or I can continue to live comfortably in the lies of the devil, the deceiver.

If I choose Jesus, I can experience His kingdom now, to some degree. And when He returns, His Kingdom will replace the one we live in now, the one we see and hear and touch most readily.

If I don’t choose Jesus, I can continue on in my life as I have always known it. Maybe with some great successes but ultimately leading to an end in death.

In which choice do I find true freedom? It may seem that my life without Jesus offers more freedom. I can do what I want, when I want, with whom I want… But then what?

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17,‬ ‭HCSB)‬‬

The truth is that only with Jesus do I have true freedom. With Jesus I have free access to God and His unlimited, beautiful love, right now. And I have the promise of eternal life in His perfect kingdom, as well as the opportunity to know the complete joy of the full truth.

Dear God, thank you for giving me the option to follow you. Thank you for offering me forgiveness and salvation from this broken world that leads to death. Thank you for showing me the truth. I choose your kingdom. I choose you.