Imagination Sets Us Apart

Imagination sets us apart from the rest of creation. All creatures have instincts and the ability to think to varying degrees. People, however, are the only creatures that have the DNA of the Creator. That sets us apart. Our imagination gives us the capability to create new things, to discover Creator’s designs, to have and hold relationships beyond instinct. I like to think of it as almost a super power that only people possess. But it does not act alone.

The fascinating thing about imagination is how it connects our intellect with our heart capacity to feel and create. It helps us sort out and store information that in turn informs our thoughts. Those thoughts, in turn, direct our actions. I think that is part of why Jesus told stories. He used what we call parables to help people learn and remember lessons.

I love how storytelling, especially in books or audio, any format without images, allows us to easily pull the story into our personal experience. Stories have power to teach and inform us as we use our imaginations to fill in the missing image information, as we process the progression of the characters involved. As the settings are described, we are able to engage more deeply. We can see with our minds eye, smell, taste, and emote with the players.

Imagination sets us apart in another way. Whatever captures our imagination, is the direction our thoughts go. The more we imagine in any direction, the more our actions are influenced in that direction. It plays an important role in what we choose and how we behave. Leaving our imaginations to our personal experience alone, however, can limit our ability to find our eternal connection.

Recently, I read about developing an ”informed” imagination.* This emphasizes using our minds to do research, ask questions, especially of the Word as we read and go deeper in the meaning. This informed imagination draws us closer to Creator because learning about the context, languages and all the other aspects that surround the Word, enables us to better imagine the eternal, intended meaning. 

Years ago I began praying for a sanctified imagination asking Jesus to direct my heart, mind, and imagination.  I experienced a growing depth of relationship with Jesus as I prayed that way. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 tells us to take each thought captive to Christ, allowing Holy Spirit to guide us.

Imagination sets us apart because it is both a gift and a responsibility. When we do not surrender our thinking to the Word of God, we open doors for all sorts of trouble. Imagine for a moment. I am sure each of us can share a story of their own, when their imagination helped lead them into a less than ideal situation. A sanctified, informed imagination leads us to the Lord.

How can we develop and imagination that sets us apart? There is so much noise around us all the time. Personally, I take walks in nature with my dog, unplugged. At home I major on either silence or worship music. Yes, I have a TV, but no regular cable. I keep it in a closed cabinet. These days, I am choosing increasingly carefully what I let in through my ear and eye gates. Take a little time now to imagine what you can do to direct, or redirect, the information you imagine.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 Imagine these for a moment. Pick one to imagine more deeply today. Consider doing word studies from a biblical perspective on the Paul’s “filters” over the next few weeks.

Abba, I want eyes that see and ears that hear what you are saying to me and to our world now. I do not want to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my heart, mind and imagination. I surrender them to You. I choose to cooperate with Holy Spirit to be the best me that you imagined before the beginning of creation. Thank you for Jesus, and Holy Spirit, who make that an achievable reality. 

Because You are always good! Amen

*The Biblical Imaganation