For better understanding of what it is all about, let us use the following illustration.

Most of us watched "The Matrix" movie, or at least heard of it. According to the film, the world we see around ourselves is an illusion, projected into our minds by intelligent machines. Reality, however, is ugly and cruel: humanity is enslaved and abused, the Earth is devastated, and only a handful of people who know the truth are fighting against the Matrix.

According to Paul and other enlightened spiritual teachers, just the opposite is true. The world of illusions projected into our minds, is ugly and cruel, but the reality is more beautiful than all we can think of. It exceeds the best expectations. True world where we live, move, and have our being, is the Kingdom of God.

Jesus encouraged His followers not to believe negative appearances. "Do not judge according to sight, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). External senses can easily deceive us. They give us necessary information, but it is not complete. Those people who trust only in their senses, usually demonstrate shortsightedness and lack of larger perspective. True knowledge about underlying spiritual laws which govern our life comes from within, from the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

In the process of spiritual development, we are called to expel morbid visions and fears from our consciousness, and to replace them with faith, based on the knowledge of the spiritual reality which is revealed to us. We reach up to God for greater understanding and clear vision, and then the spirit of truth enters into our hearts and minds. Thought by thought, we steadily develop faith-thinking.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

The system of this world - that is, predominate mental atmosphere around us - wants to conform us to this faithless generation. Most of what we hear and see on the outside, does not encourage our faith and trust. The only solution is to stay mentally alert, evaluating all of our thoughts according to the divine standard. In such a way, our faith will be developed.