IMAGINING THE WORST IS NOT HELPFUL

Random House Dictionary offers this definition: “forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses.” This is a definition of IMAGINATION. Ever since Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, mankind has possessed the capacity to use his imagination to form images and ideas. This can be a profound ability when our imagination is being used for good and it can be a tremendous liability at other times. I was talking to a friend, who also serves as an occasional mentor to me, about different challenges I was facing in my life. As I shared one of several potential scenarios fueling my deep concern, he stopped me: “Mark, the things you know are bad enough it’s not helpful to imagine other scenarios.” He was absolutely right. I was allowing my imagination to suggest all kinds of potential twists and turns and it was causing me to be fearful and anxious. I have found that FEAR can be a function of our imagination focusing on the worst case scenarios. I say “can be” because there are legitimate fears which serve to protect and prepare us to face potential dangers or threats. For this reason, our imagination can work for us or against us. 

I appreciate my friend being so direct with me that day and caring enough to say something. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) says: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The way we “(cast) down imaginations” are to replace the mental image/idea imagining the worst case scenario, or our thoughts of an increasingly negative future, with the truth and promises taught by Jesus. Contained in the Greek definition of “imaginations” seems to be the idea of giving the mental images or ideas produced by our imagination a certain legitimacy or as at least as much validity as the truth. In other words, we’re listening to our imagination as much or more than we are listening to the Holy Spirit, as He seeks to guide us into all truth. Who are listening to?

A good question for all of us to ask ourselves is: Am I using my imagination to prepare to face the future or is it producing fear and anxiety? If your imagination is producing fear and anxiety, if it is diminishing your faith in God, it is a clear indication it’s time for “casting down imaginations.” It is time for “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 

When our imagination is being influenced by the Holy Spirit, it is a powerful resource in preparing us for the future and helping us to overcome the challenges of life. When our imagination is being fueled by our flesh and we’re listening to the Liar (John 8:44) more than the Spirit of Christ, it is a miserable way to live. I’ve observed fully devoted followers of Jesus become so consumed by their imagination, their own ideas of all the things that might go wrong, it destroys their ability to exercise faith and to be responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

I believe how we use our imagination, our ability to visualize good and evil, is a huge issue for most of us. For this reason, we have to saturate our minds in God’s Word. We have to be certain that the number one influence in our thinking is not past failure (our or someone else’s), or the pain and problems of the present, or the long list of things which could go wrong in a given situation. The number one influence is the written (The Bible) and Living Word (Jesus).

Reality is harsh enough! Don’t use your imagination to make things even harder! 

In our next blog we'll explore what it means to have a "steadfast heart."

Several additional verses which address our IMAGINATION:

Genesis 6:5 NIV “The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts (KJV, every imagination) of his heart was only evil all the time.”

Luke 1:51 NIV “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;¹ he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts (KJV, imagination of their hearts).”

Acts 17:29 NKJV “Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.” (Note: Devising is the same Greek word used in the Hebrews 4:12 description of the ability of the “word of God” to judge our thoughts)