Imagination nurtures aspiration.
“Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only
about things down here on earth.” Colossians 3:2 NLT
My comments today are about, “imagination and aspirations.”
Imagination is a wondrous thing. Imagination cultivates inspiration. Imagination nurtures aspiration. When you aspire for what’s higher, you reach for what’s better. A sanctified imagination allows you to explore new and greater possibilities. When used positively as God intended, imagination expands previous boundaries and extends self-imposed limits. Without imagination, what has been persists unchallenged. Creative thinking and problem solving rely on imaginative ideas. Advancements in science, medicine, and technology begin with someone imagining possibilities not yet seen. Inventions that have enhanced daily life depended upon someone’s willingness to imagine possibilities others did not or would not consider.
Children have unbounded imagination, God-given I believe. At least until know-it-all adults teach them our own negative assumptions of limits and barriers. Maybe, that is a small, but practical, reason for Jesus words, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3 NIV. That change begins in your spirit when you are redeemed. Paul said, “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NIV. Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine! You won’t ask for what you haven’t imagined. There is an important caveat. Imagination is best empowered, “according to His power that is at work within us.” Boundaries should be about the possible and impossible, not about the easy and difficult.
God’s power and greatness is beyond your ability to perceive, until you allow the power of His Word to saturate your spirit and both enliven and enlarge your faith. “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT. A Word based, Holy Spirit inspired imagination releases faith to believe God for more than before. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit . . that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 NKJV. Aspire to greater things. Reach higher. Dig deeper. Go further. Believe stronger. Persevere longer. Expect better.
The Bible teaches the fertile field where Godly imagination can grow. “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT. Think on the right things and your imagination can soar.
For what does your heart aspire? Forgiveness and reconciliation with God? A more disciplined life? A better marriage? Lasting friendships? Improved health and strength? In what area of your life do you need to take the limits off God? Abraham imagined a land God promised to him and the generations to follow. David imagined the defeat of Goliath when all else feared. Mary imagined a child who would be the Son of God and Savior of the world. The Disciples imagined a Kingdom that would replace the Roman Empire. Imagination is powerful when disciplined and rightly directed. This is wise advice, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.” Colossians 3:2 NLT.
Today, I pray for you to let Heaven fill your heart and mind.
Christian Communications 2017