February 18, 2010
E-Letter: Discovering a Holy Imagination
Whenever we start to reach beyond ourselves and begin to grow, we encounter terrain that we have never before experienced. The uncertainty we experience in taking that next step of growth requires us to enter an arena that is not as stable as many would like.
It is an arena tilted more toward intuition than toward logic; a world of shifting subjectivity rather than the firm footing of the linear thought processes we have been taught would protect us. It is here that we find a panorama of options requiring more faith than certainty.
In this seemingly nebulous environment, we are compelled to ask ourselves questions. As we traverse the steep hills of thought, these questions will give us answers to the vision we anticipate once we stand at the peak. It is here that practical and ethereal solutions await our discovery.
Answers are found to our inquisitive thoughts, such as “What is the next step that I must take to be in line for the promotion that I want?” How can I escape the mire of circumstances which have trapped me?” Or even, “Where is the perfect vacation spot that will rejuvenate my weary body so I can excel in the year ahead?” Noble, yet elusive, thoughts fill this terrain as well. Questions such as eternity and “What will life after death really be like?” What was I created to accomplish? Have I missed it? Am I running behind?
To enter this spiritual holodeck, traverse its terrain, and discover the answers to any of these questions as well as a myriad of others, we need something beyond our own logic. We need our imaginations.
To fully use our imagination requires courage. Using our imaginations for creative problem-solving requires that we leave behind all pre-conceived opinions. This will leave us feeling somewhat vulnerable, because we habitually cling to the life raft of our own notions. Letting go of that raft can leave us with very short fingernails, but it causes us to discover wonderful new worlds.
In some Christian circles, imagination is thought to be simply foolish thinking – mere daydreaming. Some even consider it evil. However, when you look at Scripture, the words translated for imagination suggest two sides with what might be described as a razor-blade difference between the two. On one hand, Scripture exhorts us not to have vain imaginations that stem from carnal thinking (Luke 1:51). At the same time, Jesus came to give us “understanding” so that we might know Him (1 John 5:20). The Greek word dianoia is used in these New Testament passages. Dianoia simply means the practice or exercise of the deepest thought, comprehension, or awareness. It is the heart that determines whether our imaginings are holy or profane (Luke 1:51).
The Apostle Paul actually prayed that the eyes of our dianoia (understanding) would be enlightened so we might be able to know the hope of our calling. Could it be that Paul was telling us that there is a spiritual and holy side to imagination? Could he be saying that a mind steadfast on God will generate a peace where holy imagination will allow us to behold the purpose for which we were created? Could it be that by trying to squash our imagination or feeling guilty because we have imagined something, we have actually lost spiritual perception and hope in our calling?
Throughout Scripture, the Christian community is handed hundreds of word pictures and metaphors that allow concepts to become reality. It is the holy side of imagination that allows us to understand the spiritual reality and glory of what was written. Without imagination, we could not see the path for the trees. Imagination allows us to look through the trees for higher ground to climb. Imagination allows us to believe there is a land beyond, so that we do not give up during the rigorous climb.
I love what Madeleine L’Engle once said: “For me, imagination is essential. At night, I go out to the most gorgeous view of the sky and wonder that the Maker of all these galaxies-and those 50 billion other galaxies we just discovered-came down to be one of us.”
How much have we lost, because we failed to imagine?
Whenever we start to reach beyond ourselves and begin to grow, we encounter terrain that we have never before experienced. The uncertainty we experience in taking that next step of growth requires us to enter an arena that is not as stable as many would like.It is an arena tilted more toward intuition than toward logic; a world of shifting subjectivity rather than the firm footing of the linear thought processes we have been taught would protect us. It is here that we find a panorama of options requiring more faith than certainty.
In this seemingly nebulous environment, we are compelled to ask ourselves questions. As we traverse the steep hills of thought, these questions will give us answers to the vision we anticipate once we stand at the peak. It is here that practical and ethereal solutions await our discovery.
Answers are found to our inquisitive thoughts, such as “What is the next step that I must take to be in line for the promotion that I want?” How can I escape the mire of circumstances which have trapped me?” Or even, “Where is the perfect vacation spot that will rejuvenate my weary body so I can excel in the year ahead?” Noble, yet elusive, thoughts fill this terrain as well. Questions such as eternity and “What will life after death really be like?” What was I created to accomplish? Have I missed it? Am I running behind?
To enter this spiritual holodeck, traverse its terrain, and discover the answers to any of these questions as well as a myriad of others, we need something beyond our own logic. We need our imaginations.
To fully use our imagination requires courage. Using our imaginations for creative problem-solving requires that we leave behind all pre-conceived opinions. This will leave us feeling somewhat vulnerable, because we habitually cling to the life raft of our own notions. Letting go of that raft can leave us with very short fingernails, but it causes us to discover wonderful new worlds.
In some Christian circles, imagination is thought to be simply foolish thinking – mere daydreaming. Some even consider it evil. However, when you look at Scripture, the words translated for imagination suggest two sides with what might be described as a razor-blade difference between the two. On one hand, Scripture exhorts us not to have vain imaginations that stem from carnal thinking (Luke 1:51). At the same time, Jesus came to give us “understanding” so that we might know Him (1 John 5:20). The Greek word dianoia is used in these New Testament passages. Dianoia simply means the practice or exercise of the deepest thought, comprehension, or awareness. It is the heart that determines whether our imaginings are holy or profane (Luke 1:51).
The Apostle Paul actually prayed that the eyes of our dianoia (understanding) would be enlightened so we might be able to know the hope of our calling. Could it be that Paul was telling us that there is a spiritual and holy side to imagination? Could he be saying that a mind steadfast on God will generate a peace where holy imagination will allow us to behold the purpose for which we were created? Could it be that by trying to squash our imagination or feeling guilty because we have imagined something, we have actually lost spiritual perception and hope in our calling?
Throughout Scripture, the Christian community is handed hundreds of word pictures and metaphors that allow concepts to become reality. It is the holy side of imagination that allows us to understand the spiritual reality and glory of what was written. Without imagination, we could not see the path for the trees. Imagination allows us to look through the trees for higher ground to climb. Imagination allows us to believe there is a land beyond, so that we do not give up during the rigorous climb.
I love what Madeleine L’Engle once said: “For me, imagination is essential. At night, I go out to the most gorgeous view of the sky and wonder that the Maker of all these galaxies-and those 50 billion other galaxies we just discovered-came down to be one of us.”
How much have we lost, because we failed to imagine?
Do enter each day thinking of the lives that will be changed simply because God's Spirit flowing through you changes them.