What Do You Imagine?
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Imagination is the most powerful force in the universe.” — Albert Einstein
Do you remember using your imagination as a child? Perhaps you imagined you were a princess or a superhero. When we grow into adults, we may be discouraged from using this ability, because it’s not viewed as a grown-up realistic use of our minds.
But in reality, our imagination is a wonderful gift from God that allows us to create, envision new possibilities, and see beyond the present moment. As human beings made in the image of a creative God (Genesis 1:27), we have been endowed with the ability to imagine and conceptualize ideas that do not yet exist.
But does the Bible provide any guidance on how we should use our imaginations?
The Bible encourages using imagination for good but warns against using it to envision sinful desires or as an escape from reality. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. “Overall, Scripture calls us to harness imagination in service of God’s purposes.
We have been granted the profound ability to envision how God may want us to carry out His purposes on earth. Prayerfully using our imagination to align more deeply with God’s heart allows room for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts towards divine inspiration rather than misguided fancy.
Some Biblical examples of people who used their imagination for God’s purposes include Noah envisioning and building the ark (Genesis 6), Moses designing the tabernacle (Exodus 25), David imagining the future temple (1 Chronicles 28:11-12), and Nehemiah visualizing the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:5).
Using our imagination to envision ways to assist and uplift others is a constructive application of this God-given ability. Imagining how to better love others, bring justice to the oppressed, spread the Gospel, stand up for Biblical principles in society, and serve God in our spheres of influence, will direct us towards righteous ends. Our imagination finds its highest purpose when sought to glorify God, not self.
When we imagine the needs of people in our community, we can conceive innovative solutions. This might mean preparing meals for a sick neighbor, offering childcare help for a stressed single mom, organizing a clothing drive for the homeless shelter, or even just sending an encouraging note to a lonely or hurting friend.
At my elderly age with only a brief time left on this earth, I am excited when I imagine my eternal home in Heaven. One of my favorite songs is “I Can Only Imagine” by Bart Millard. It is based on imagining what believers will experience with Jesus in Heaven.
As we walk in faith, God graciously allows us to imagine what awaits us in our eternal home. Though we cannot fully comprehend what Heaven will be like, Scripture gives us glimpses of the amazing future God has prepared for those who love Him.
The Bible teaches that believers will experience unimaginable glory and joy in Heaven. There will be no more pain, suffering, tears or death (Revelation 21:4). We will dwell with God and enjoy intimate fellowship with Him (Revelation 21:3). Heaven’s streets will be pure gold, and the gates will be made of giant pearls (Revelation 21:21). We will eat from the tree of life (Revelation 22:2) and serve God in the heavenly temple (Revelation 7:15). Heaven will be a place of inexpressible joy as we worship God and reign with Christ (Revelation 22:5). As we set our minds on what is above (Colossians 3:2), God expands our imagination and fills our hearts with hope.
As born-again Christians, we can feel deep longing for our eternal home in Heaven as we face trials and suffering in this fallen world. We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23) and the glory that will be revealed in us.
Knowing that Heaven awaits us can inspire us to live each day with joy and hope despite our circumstances. We can look forward to the day when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).
This longing for eternity motivates us to share the gospel so that others can join us in the presence of Christ. My wife of almost 56 years, Wanda, was still sharing the good news available through Christ until she was no longer able to talk in her earthly cancer ridden body. I get pleasure out of imagining that Wanda is surrounded by hundreds and maybe thousands in Heaven thanking her that God used her in their salvation journey.
While we cannot grasp the full splendor of Heaven, we can rest in the sure hope that eternity with Christ will far exceed our wildest expectations and imaginations. Once again being with the loved ones that love Christ that have preceded us to Heaven only adds to the anticipated splendor.
Our longing for Heaven inspires us to live for Christ and point others toward eternity. We can eagerly await the day when we stand face-to-face with our glorious Savior.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE!
