Imagination

Imagination is a powerful tool. But it is also kind of silly. I think a lot of adults consider imagination to be a child's plaything. I get an image of Spongebob making a rainbow with his hands and saying "IIIIMMAAAAGINAAATIOOON". While not all adults would consider imagination only for children, I think a lot of them would say that it has no place in our spiritual walk with Christ. I know I have struggled to understand how imagination could enhance my walk with Christ. Aren't I supposed to condemn anything that is not completely and utterly true in my life? Aren't I not to waste my thoughts on things that aren't real?

Everything about us is God given. We are created in His image. How do you think God created all the animals and plants and bugs? He imagined what they would look like. Not only did He imagine what they would look like, He imagined all the intricate details of their biology and anatomy and chemical structure and psychology. He imagined how they would interact with the world around them and how they would benefit off each other. He imagined it and then He created it. So I believe imagination is completely spiritual.

The problem is sin has perverted everything that is good. Now imagination has been tacked on with all the negative. At it's best, it's considered only good for making children's programs and used in daycares. At it's worst, it's used in making the most graphic and disturbing horror movies or in pornos. And so I think Christians have kind of subconsciously decided that imagination is bad and have worked hard not to use it.

Imagination allows me to see God's face in a sunset. Imagination allows me to envision prayers being answered. Imagination let's me feel God wrap His arms around me at night when I go to bed. Imagination helps me get through a really tough day by visualizing God picking me up and holding me. Imagination goes crazy when I'm in a worshipful spirit and can see Him everywhere I look.

The real test of spiritual focus is being able to bring your thoughts and your imagination under control. Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idol yourself? Is it your work? Is it your idea of what a servant should be, or maybe your experience of salvation and sanctification? ... It is God you need. Go beyond yourself and away from the faces of your idols and away from everything else that has been blinding your thinking, your imagination.
- Oswald Chambers

Imagination is important to our spiritual walk. It's important to my relationship with Christ. Whatever is hindering from using my imagination in a way that is holy and pleasing to the Lord has got to go, because it's keeping me from my God. Oswald Chambers says that it is more important to be broken bread and poured out wine when you are alone, in intercession for other people than it is to be broken bread and poured out wine in your relationship with other people. That really pulls me up. I have been working so hard to be a servant to those around me, that I have not been in prayer or intercession for them. And I certainly have not been broken bread or poured out wine. But that's how it's supposed to be isn't it? We should be pouring ourselves out to God since He is the focus of our hearts and our lives and our souls. It makes sense that I should be poured out in His presence first to be efficiently poured out in people's lives.